SOC Occupation Codes Guide
Your Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is the foundation of your entire petition. Getting this right from the start can make the difference between approval and denial.
What is an SOC Code?
SOC codes are standardized classifications used by the U.S. Department of Labor to categorize occupations. USCIS uses these codes to determine salary requirements, job duties, and educational standards for your petition.
Why It Matters
Choosing the wrong SOC code can result in automatic petition denial, even with strong credentials. The code must accurately reflect your actual work duties and career trajectory.
How to Choose the Right SOC Code
Analyze Your Duties
Document your actual daily responsibilities and core job functions
Research Codes
Compare multiple SOC codes that could match your profile
Verify Salary Data
Ensure your compensation meets the code's requirements
Key Resources for SOC Research:
- • O*NET Interest Profiler: Detailed job duty descriptions and requirements
- • Bureau of Labor Statistics: Official SOC code definitions and classifications
- • Department of Labor Foreign Labor Certification: Prevailing wage data by SOC code
- • USCIS Policy Manual: Immigration-specific SOC code guidance
Common SOC Code Categories for Immigration
STEM Fields
- • 15-1130: Software Developers and Programmers
- • 19-1020: Biological Scientists
- • 17-2070: Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- • 25-1020: Mathematical Science Teachers
Business & Management
- • 11-1020: General and Operations Managers
- • 13-1160: Market Research Analysts
- • 11-2020: Marketing and Sales Managers
- • 13-2050: Financial Analysts
Expert Tips for SOC Code Selection
Do:
- • Choose the code that most accurately reflects your primary job duties
- • Verify salary requirements match your actual compensation
- • Consider your future career trajectory and job flexibility needs
- • Document how your duties align with the SOC code description
Don't:
- • Select a code solely based on higher salary requirements
- • Choose an overly broad or generic classification
- • Ignore education and experience requirements
- • Use different codes across different petition documents
Need Help Selecting Your SOC Code?
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