SOC 2020 code 2317 · Professional occupations
Whether this occupation can be sponsored for a Skilled Worker visa, its going rate, the job titles filed under the code, and the licensed sponsors advertising these jobs.
Eligible
Teachers of English as a foreign language (SOC 2317) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
Annual salaries for a 37.5-hour week, from Appendix Skilled Occupations (updated 3 Aug 2026).
The going rate is £36,200 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £41,700: the general minimum of £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Some people can be paid less, for example new entrants, where the minimum for this occupation is £33,400.
Sources: Appendix Skilled Occupations, Skilled Worker salary rules, when you can be paid less.
The ONS coding index files 15 job titles under this code. A note in brackets is the setting the title applies to: the same title can sit under another code elsewhere. The code on a certificate of sponsorship follows the job’s duties, so check them with or the employer.
We have not read an advert we could place in this code since October 2025. We read visa sponsorship adverts from Reed and Adzuna every 4 hours.
From Appendix Skilled Occupations and the Temporary Shortage List (GOV.UK), the ONS SOC 2020 coding index, and job adverts we read and match to the Home Office register. We place an advert in a code from its title, so some adverts may be in the wrong code. Whether a person can be sponsored also depends on their own circumstances. This page is information, not immigration advice. Profile built 7 Oct 2026.
Teachers of English as a foreign language (SOC 2317) is an eligible occupation in Appendix Skilled Occupations, so jobs in it can be sponsored for a new Skilled Worker visa.
The going rate is £36,200 a year for a 37.5-hour week. A new Skilled Worker applicant must usually be paid at least £41,700: the general minimum of £41,700 or the going rate, whichever is higher. Some people can be paid less, for example new entrants, where the minimum for this occupation is £33,400.
The ONS coding index files 15 job titles under 2317, including efl teacher, english as a second language teacher, english for specific purposes teacher, english language teacher, english teacher, esl teacher, esol lecturer, esol teacher. The employer chooses the code on the certificate of sponsorship from the job's duties, not its title.