Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a metal machining setter or setter-operator?
Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a metal machining setter or setter-operator (SOC 5221). It is only open to people who already had a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 and have kept it without a break.
What you need
You must have:
- a job offer from a UK employer that's allowed to sponsor visas (check the sponsor list)
- a "certificate of sponsorship" from that employer: a reference number with details of your job
- English at level B2: you can usually prove it with an approved test or a degree taught in English (ways to prove it)
- £1,270 in savings, unless your employer covers your first month or you've been in the UK for 12 months or more
Based on the UK Immigration Rules and the Skilled Worker visa guide on GOV.UK. This is a summary, not advice about your own situation.
The rules in detail
SOC 2020 code 5221 (Metal machining setters and setter-operators) is Medium Skilled (RQF level 3–5). It is listed in Table 1a of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT1a · 29 Oct 26: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Metal machining setters and setter-operators |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Medium Skilled |
| Going rate | £34,600 a year (£17.74 an hour)T1a |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 1a, Table 2aa |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| Eligible for PhD points | No |
| Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s) | 5221 |
| SOC 2020 group | 52 Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades › 522 Metal machining, fitting and instrument making trades |
Going rates for 5221 in Appendix Skilled Occupations
A code can appear in more than one table. Each table applies to different applicants. Rates are per year for a 37.5-hour week and must be pro-rated for other hours.
| Table and who it applies to | Going rate | 90% | 80% | 70% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Table 1aOnly for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List. | £34,600 £17.74/hr | n/a | n/a | £33,400 £17.13/hr |
| Table 2aaFor applicants using options F–J who were granted Skilled Worker permission before 22 July 2025 and have held it continuously, unless option I (Immigration Salary List) or the Temporary Shortage List applies. Not eligible for Global Business Mobility or Scale-up. | £28,500 £14.62/hr | n/a | n/a | £25,000 £12.82/hr |
Salary thresholds that apply to 5221
Under Appendix Skilled Worker, the salary must equal or exceed both the general threshold and the going-rate figure for the points option used. This table puts the two figures side by side for each option. It does not say which option applies to any person. See salary thresholds for the conditions on each option.
| Option | Condition | General threshold | Going-rate figure | Higher of the two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Standard | £41,700 | £34,600 (100%) | £41,700 |
| B | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job | £37,500 | Not applicable | – |
| C | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £33,400 | Not applicable | – |
| D | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List (this code is not on the list) | £33,400 | Not applicable | – |
| E | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career | £33,400 | £33,400 (70%) | £33,400 |
| Option | Condition | General threshold | Going-rate figure | Higher of the two |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Standard | £31,300 | £28,500 (100%) | £31,300 |
| G | The applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job | £28,200 | Not applicable | – |
| H | The applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | £25,000 | Not applicable | – |
| I | The applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List (this code is not on the list) | £25,000 | Not applicable | – |
| J | The applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career | £25,000 | £25,000 (70%) | £25,000 |
Job titles under SOC 5221
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Computer numerical control (CNC) machine setters and setter-operators
- Metal machining setters and setter-operators not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (6)
- CNC machinist
- CNC programmer
- Centre lathe turner
- Miller (metal trades)
- Tool setter
- Turner
What the job involves
Metal machining setters and setter-operators operate machines to drill, bore, grind, cut, mill or otherwise shape metal workpieces.
Typical tasks
- Examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method, sequence of operations and machine setting
- Selects and fixes work-holding devices and appropriate cutting, shaping, grinding and/or forming tools
- Sets machine controls for rotation speeds, depth of cut and stroke, and adjusts machine table, stops and guides
- Operates automatic or manual controls to feed tool to workpiece or vice versa and checks accuracy of machining
- Repositions workpiece, changes tools and resets machine as necessary during production run
- Instructs operators on the safe and correct method of operation of the machine
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Engineering apprenticeships, BTEC and City and Guilds qualifications are available together with on-the-job training. NVQs/ SVQs at level 2 and 3 are available.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 5221
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a metal machining setter or setter-operator?
Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a metal machining setter or setter-operator (SOC 5221). It is only open to people who already had a Skilled Worker visa before 22 July 2025 and have kept it without a break. SOC 2020 code 5221 (Metal machining setters and setter-operators) is Medium Skilled (RQF level 3–5). It is listed in Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission under the rules before 22 July 2025 who have held it continuously since, unless the job is on the Immigration Salary List (option D) or the Temporary Shortage List.
What is SOC code 5221?
5221 is the SOC 2020 code for Metal machining setters and setter-operators. Metal machining setters and setter-operators operate machines to drill, bore, grind, cut, mill or otherwise shape metal workpieces.
What is the going rate for SOC code 5221?
Table 1a of Appendix Skilled Occupations gives a going rate of £34,600 a year (£17.74 an hour) for 5221, based on a 37.5-hour week. It must be pro-rated for other working hours.
What job titles use SOC code 5221?
GOV.UK lists: Computer numerical control (CNC) machine setters and setter-operators, Metal machining setters and setter-operators not elsewhere classified.
Sources
- Skilled Worker visa: eligible occupations and codes (GOV.UK, updated 29 April 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Worker (GOV.UK, updated 29 October 2026)
- ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups
Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.