Leisure and sports managers and proprietors (SOC 1224, also written as job code 1224) does not currently qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. It is classified as medium skilled and would need to be added to the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage Occupation List before employers could sponsor for it. There are closely related roles that do qualify, listed further down.
Not sure if SOC 1224 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 1224Leisure and sports managers organise and proprietors, direct and co-ordinate the activities and resources required for the provision of sporting, artistic, theatrical and other recreational and amenity services.
Both graduate and non-graduate entry is possible. Off and on-the-job training is provided. Apprenticeships at level 3 and NVQs/SVQs at levels 3 and 4 are available in relevant areas. Professional qualifications may also be required for some posts.
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most leisure and sports managers in the UK earn between £28,808 and £40,924 in basic pay. For Skilled Worker visa holders, the minimum salary (going rate) for this role is £34,100 (SOC 1224), sitting at the 52nd percentile of what UK employers pay and £560 above the median. Since this falls below the general salary threshold, sponsors must pay at least £41,700.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
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SOC 1224 is classified as medium skilled but does not currently appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, so it's not currently eligible for new sponsorship.
If you're interested in this field, you have a few options:
Not under SOC 1224. Leisure and sports managers and proprietors is classified as Medium Skilled, which doesn't meet the requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship right now. That said, some closely related occupation codes in the same field are eligible, so have a look at the related codes section on this page.
Job code 1224, SOC code 1224 and occupation code 1224 all refer to the same thing: the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) unit group covering leisure and sports managers and proprietors. 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.
SOC 1224 covers a range of leisure and sports managers and proprietors roles, including: Cinema managers and proprietors, Golf course managers, Gym, fitness and leisure services managers and proprietors, Marina managers, Museum managers and proprietors, Parks and gardens managers, and 2 more. 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.
SOC 1224 itself doesn't qualify, but that doesn't mean you're out of options. The most common workaround is finding a closely related role that falls under an eligible SOC code. We've listed any eligible alternatives further up this page. It's also worth looking into visa routes that aren't tied to a specific occupation, like the Global Talent visa, Graduate visa, or High Potential Individual visa.
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.