Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a vehicle and parts salesperson or adviser?
Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a vehicle and parts salesperson or adviser (SOC 7115). It is only open to people who have had a Skilled Worker visa without a break since before 4 April 2024, applying before 4 April 2030 to stay with the same employer.
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 7115 (Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers) is Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only (Below RQF level 3). It is listed in Table 2a of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT2a · 29 Oct 26: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission.
Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.| Occupation | Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only |
| Going rate | £31,300 a year (£16.05 an hour)T2a |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 2a, Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| Eligible for PhD points | No |
| Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s) | 3542 |
| SOC 2020 group | 71 Sales occupations › 711 Sales assistants and retail cashiers |
Going rates for 7115 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 2aOnly for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission. | £31,300 £16.05/hr | n/a | n/a | £25,000 £12.82/hr |
Salary thresholds that apply to 7115
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F | Standard | £31,300 | £31,300 (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 7115
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Vehicle parts advisers
- Vehicle sales executives
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
- Car sales executive
- Car salesman
- Parts adviser (retail trade)
- Parts technician
What the job involves
Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers undertake vehicle sales, parts advisory and aftersales service advisory roles, selling new and used vehicles to the general public, and vehicle accessories and parts to garages, vehicle dealerships and the general public.
Typical tasks
- Discusses customer’s requirements, advises on most appropriate vehicle, explains its features and arranges test drive
- Negotiates sale price including any ‘trade-in’ and extra accessories, works out finance arrangements and completes sales paperwork
- Carries out pre-delivery inspection and formal hand-over of vehicle to customer
- Updates stock record, orders new vehicles from manufacturer, buys in used cars
- Receives orders for parts by phone, email or in person and checks availability on stock record
- Obtains parts from store or orders from suppliers
- Organises delivery of parts and handles payment
- Orders new supplies, arranges storage and updates stock records
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements for entry but some employers may ask for GCSEs and/or some previous relevant work experience. Apprenticeships may be available in some areas. Vehicle salespersons generally require a full, clean driving licence.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 7115
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a vehicle and parts salesperson or adviser?
Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a vehicle and parts salesperson or adviser (SOC 7115). It is only open to people who have had a Skilled Worker visa without a break since before 4 April 2024, applying before 4 April 2030 to stay with the same employer. SOC 2020 code 7115 (Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers) is Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only (Below RQF level 3). It is listed in Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission.
What is SOC code 7115?
7115 is the SOC 2020 code for Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers. Vehicle and parts salespersons and advisers undertake vehicle sales, parts advisory and aftersales service advisory roles, selling new and used vehicles to the general public, and vehicle accessories and parts to garages, vehicle dealerships and the general public.
What is the going rate for SOC code 7115?
Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations gives a going rate of £31,300 a year (£16.05 an hour) for 7115, based on a 37.5-hour week. It must be pro-rated for other working hours.
What job titles use SOC code 7115?
GOV.UK lists: Vehicle parts advisers, Vehicle sales executives.
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.