Data analyst in the UK: your Skilled Worker visa, step by step

The boundary with code 2133

The Home Office lists data engineers and data architects under code 2133 alongside IT business analysts and systems architects. That code carries a going rate well above £41,700 (UK Home Office, effective July 22, 2025). Data analysts have their own code, 3544, with a single related title. The line between the two codes runs through the work. Building pipelines, designing data models and owning architecture point towards 2133. Querying, reporting, dashboards and interpretation point towards 3544. Choosing the code is the sponsor's job. It must reflect the job honestly. A role labelled "data analyst" that is really data engineering would be mis-coded under 3544, and a role labelled "data engineer" that is really reporting would be mis-coded under 2133. Ask the sponsor which code appears on the Certificate of Sponsorship before you accept.

Salary for code 3544

Every Skilled Worker offer is measured against two figures. The first is a threshold: £41,700 (UK Home Office, effective July 22, 2025) in general, or £33,400 where the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List or another reduced-threshold rule applies. The second is the going rate for the code. The offer must satisfy both. The higher figure is the operative one.

For a data analyst, the going rate is £34,900 (UK Home Office, effective July 22, 2025). Code 3544 is not on the ISL. The threshold stays at £41,700. That is higher than £34,900 so £41,700 is the minimum salary.

The lower going rate of £28,600 (UK Home Office, effective July 22, 2025) is used where a reduced-threshold rule such as new entrant applies. It does not lower the £41,700 requirement for other applicants.

What "new entrant" could mean for analysts

Many data analysts are early in their careers. Some are in the UK on Student or Graduate visas. A reduced general threshold can apply to new entrants, meaning early-career applicants or people switching from those routes. This page does not quote the reduced figure. Whether the rule applies depends on your own history, so check it against your circumstances rather than assuming it.

Registration

No statutory registration or licence applies to data analysts in the UK. Professional bodies exist and some employers value certifications. None is a legal condition of working or an immigration requirement.

Where else to look

• New entrant reduced threshold. A reduced general threshold can apply to early-career applicants and to those switching from Student or Graduate routes.
• In-country switching. A Graduate visa holder hired by a licensed sponsor as a data analyst can often switch into Skilled Worker.
• Global Talent visa. No sponsor or job offer needed. There is an endorsement route for digital technology. Fees and approval rates are not given here.

Our assessment checks you against every open UK and Canadian route in about three minutes and shows your score, where you stand and the first thing that would raise it. No card needed for that. Seeing every route in full needs a plan. See where you stand →