What if multiple SOC codes seem to fit?

Choose the SOC code that covers more than 50% of the job’s core duties. Avoid “All Other” categories unless no specific code applies.

Can one job title have multiple SOC codes?

Yes. The same title (e.g., “Analyst”) can map to different SOC codes depending on: • Technical vs. non-technical duties • Level of responsibility • Industry context

How often do SOC codes change?

SOC codes are updated periodically (roughly every 8–10 years). Always confirm you are using the current SOC version required for your use case.

What Is an Occupational Code?: When and How To Use SOC

Sponsoring a work visa is more complicated than just hiring someone for a specific role — but Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes can help. They provide a federally used system to catalog different job titles and roles, streamlining the visa process.

For HR teams looking to hire foreign nationals, knowing how to use SOC codes can make or break a petition. Here’s why they’re so important, plus a guide to finding the right code for your next filing.

Standard Occupational Classification Codes Definition: What Is SOC?

SOC codes are the standardized system that the U.S. government uses to catalog and record data about specific industries and job categories within them. Every code has detailed associations, including job duties, skills, education levels, and wages per state.

Many employment-based immigration processes use SOC codes in their filings. For example, when submitting a permanent labor certification (PERM) or a Labor Condition Application (LCA), applicants need a SOC code to specify the exact job role involved.

Structure and Levels of the SOC System

When applying for any visa category that requires either a PERM, LCA, or a prevailing wage calculation — like the H-1B and L-1 — applicants need to understand how SOC codes work.

The SOC system is hierarchical, starting off with broad groups and then sequentially becoming more detailed. Following this nested system, applicants can distill their role into a specific category that reflects its job responsibilities.

Here’s an overview of the SOC system:

Major Group: This is for broad group categories, like Computer and Mathematical Occupations (15-0000) or Legal Occupations (23-000). Major groups follow the XX-0000 format.
Minor Group: A minor group is a subsection of a broad group, like Computer Occupations (15-1200).
Broad Minor Group: This is further subcategory of a minor group, like Computer and Information Analysts (15-1210).
Specific Occupation: The lowest level of the SOC system is for specific careers, each with outlined roles and responsibilities. Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211) or Information Security Analysts (15-1212) are two examples.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has a comprehensive list of job roles in the SOC system. These codes align with the O*NET OnLine database, which provides detailed information about different professions.

Purpose and Uses of Occupational Classification Codes in the Immigration Process

Occupational job codes help precisely match a foreign national’s job title to an officially recognized list by the Department of Labor (DOL).

In any employment-based visa sponsorship process, these codes are essential in a few different parts of the application:

LCA: An LCA, which is required for H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 petitions, uses the SOC code that best matches the offered position in the application process.
PERM: A PERM verifies that no U.S. worker is qualified or available for the role a company wants to sponsor. The DOL uses SOC codes as a standardized framework to verify the job’s description and requirements.
Prevailing Wage Determination Requests: When establishing a prevailing wage for a job role, the DOL can consult BLS data tied to each SOC code. Accurate coding helps make sure the offered wage in a job contract meets DOL standards.

How To Find or Look Up an SOC Code

One of the easiest ways to find a SOC code is to use the O*NET OnLine database. There are over 1,000 specific roles listed within it, meaning applicants can simply search and find their role. Every job in the database connects to a page with specific tasks, skills, work activities, experience requirements, median pay, and education. For some careers, you can even look for necessary certifications by state and by ZIP code.

Always cross-check your SOC code search findings with the BLS to make sure the SOC grouping matches across all public records. The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics page offers a broader overview of each category.

Examples of Standard Occupational Classification Codes

SOC codes aim to cover every single possible industry and role. Understanding how the DOL structures these codes can help visa applicants streamline the process of finding an appropriate job title. Plus, HR teams need to be certain about the job role and its associated SOC code when sponsoring a visa.

Here are a few examples of different industries and roles using SOC codes. These examples include the major group, minor group, and specific occupations:

13-0000 Business and Financial Operations Occupations

13-1080 Logisticians and Project Management Specialists

13-1082 Project Management Specialists

17-0000 Architecture and Engineering Occupations

17-2070 Electrical and Electronics Engineers

17-2071 Electrical Engineers

23-0000 Legal Occupations

23-2090 Miscellaneous Legal Support Workers

23-2093 Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers

Streamline LCA and PERM Labor Certifications with Ellis

Obtaining LCAs and PERMs is a key part of many employment-based visas, making this a non-negotiable for businesses looking to hire and retain international talent. But one small mistake or a missed digit completely changes what an SOC code means — and could lead to a rejected document.

When precision is key, your business shouldn’t leave anything up to chance. Working with a modern immigration law firm like Ellis can make sure your petitions are correctly filed and accurate. We offer full document review, tailored guidance, and other relevant services that make the entire process of petitioning for a visa as easy as possible.

Reach out to a legal advisor today to get started.