Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a cook?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a cook (SOC 5435).
You might be able to work in the UK on a different visa. Compare UK work visas.
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 5435 (Cooks) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT6 · 29 Oct 26.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Cooks |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 54 Textiles, printing and other skilled trades › 543 Food preparation and hospitality trades |
Job titles under SOC 5435
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Cooks
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
- Cook
- Cook-supervisor
- Fish fryer
- Head cook
What the job involves
Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens of other establishments.
Typical tasks
- Requisitions or purchases foodstuffs and checks quality
- Plans meals, prepares, seasons and cooks foodstuffs
- Cooks and sells a range of meals, such as fish and chips, over the counter
- Plans and co-ordinates kitchen work such as fetching, clearing and cleaning of equipment and utensils
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements. Training is provided off and on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Food Preparation and Cooking are available at levels 1, 2 and 3. Apprenticeships are also available.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 5435
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a cook?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a cook (SOC 5435). SOC 2020 code 5435 (Cooks) is listed as not eligible for the Skilled Worker, Global Business Mobility and Scale-up routes in Table 6 of Appendix Skilled Occupations.
What is SOC code 5435?
5435 is the SOC 2020 code for Cooks. Cooks prepare, season and cook food, often using pre-prepared ingredients, in clubs, private households, fast food outlets, shops selling food cooked on the premises and the catering departments and canteens of other establishments.
What job titles use SOC code 5435?
GOV.UK lists: Cooks.
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.