Public relations and communications directors SOC 1133
Public relations and communications directors (SOC 1133, also written as job code 1133) qualifies for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer must pay at least the going rate of £77,200 per year. Scroll down for salary benchmarks, the visa rules, and live jobs from licensed sponsors.
Not sure if SOC 1133 applies to your situation?
The answer above is the general rule. Your case can be different if you already hold a visa and are extending or switching, if you were sponsored before a rule change, or depending on your salary. Our AI assistant can explain the full rules from gov.uk guidance.
Ask AI about SOC 1133What does a public relations and communications director do?
Public relations and communications directors plan, organise, direct and co-ordinate the public relations, communications and public information activities of an organisation or on behalf of clients.
Typical tasks
- develops and reviews the public relations policy and direction of an organisation
- directs and oversees the work of the communications department of an organisation or work on behalf of clients at a public relations firm
- liaises with client to discuss their needs and develops the most appropriate strategy to deliver the objectives directs public relations campaigns and communicates messages through a variety of media
- reviews and revises campaign strategy and takes appropriate corrective measures if necessary
- stays abreast of changes in media, readership or viewing figures
- directs the arranging of conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc. to promote the image of a product, service or organisation
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Entry is generally via career progression from related occupations (e.g. communications officer, public relations officer) and although there are no pre-set entry standards, in practice most communications and public relations directors hold a degree. Off and on-the-job training is provided.
Visa sponsorship requirements
How to get sponsored as a public relations and communications director
- 1
Find a licensed sponsor on Hunt UK Visa Sponsors
Browse our register of UK companies with an active sponsor licence. Filter by industry, size, sponsor rating, and whether they're currently hiring public relations and communications directors, so you only apply where a visa is actually on the table.
Browse licensed sponsors - 2
Confirm the salary meets the £77,200 going rate
Your employer must pay whichever is higher: the going rate for SOC 1133 (£77,200) or the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700 per year.
New entrants and ISL roles may qualify for a lower rate. See the New entrant & discount rates section below.
- 3
Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship
Your sponsor issues a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), a reference number the Home Office uses to check the job offer, salary, and duties line up with an eligible SOC code.
- 4
Apply for a Skilled Worker visa at gov.uk
Submit the Skilled Worker visa application online within 3 months of your CoS assignment date. You'll also book a biometric appointment and pay the immigration health surcharge.
Apply on gov.uk - 5
Move to the UK and start work
Travel to the UK before your CoS start date and begin working for the sponsor named on the certificate.
New entrant & discount rates
If you're under 26, switching from a Student visa, or a recent UK graduate, your employer can pay the new entrant rate of £54,000 per year for up to 4 years.
Continuously sponsored as a Skilled Worker since before 4 April 2024? Lower thresholds apply: £59,700 standard, or £41,800 as a new entrant.
Roles under SOC 1133
Recent jobs under SOC 1133
Related occupations
Other Skilled Worker-eligible roles in the same SOC minor group (113xx):
Frequently asked questions
Can public relations and communications directors get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Yes. Public relations and communications directors roles fall under SOC 1133 (Higher Skilled), so they qualify for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Your employer will need a sponsor licence and must pay at least the going rate for this occupation.
What is job code 1133?
Job code 1133, SOC code 1133 and occupation code 1133 all refer to the same thing: the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) unit group covering public relations and communications directors. The Home Office uses this 4-digit code on a Certificate of Sponsorship to check Skilled Worker visa eligibility and to set the going rate salary threshold for the role.
What salary do public relations and communications directors need for visa sponsorship?
The going rate for Public relations and communications directors (SOC 1133) is £77,200 (£39.59 per hour). Occupation rate applies. Your employer must pay whichever is higher: this going rate or the general Skilled Worker threshold of £41,700 per year.
What job titles are covered by SOC 1133?
SOC 1133 covers a range of public relations and communications directors roles, including: Public relations and communications directors. Keep in mind that the Home Office matches jobs by duties rather than title alone. Two roles with the same title can fall under different SOC codes depending on the actual work involved.
Is there a lower salary for new graduates entering public relations and communications directors roles?
Yes. If you're under 26, a recent graduate, a PhD student, or switching from a Student or Graduate visa, you count as a "new entrant". For Public relations and communications directors (SOC 1133) the new entrant minimum is £54,000 per year, based on the Home Office's published lower going rate and the £33,400 new entrant threshold. The discount lasts up to 4 years in total.
Where can I find public relations and communications directors jobs with UK visa sponsorship?
We list Public relations and communications directors roles from companies with a Home Office sponsor licence. Scroll down to see what's currently open, or search our full jobs database for more visa-sponsored positions across the UK.
This information is provided as guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice. Eligibility criteria and salary thresholds are based on the latest published government data. Always verify with the official UK government guidance or seek professional immigration advice.