Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a printing machine assistant?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a printing machine assistant (SOC 8135).
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 8135 (Printing machine assistants) 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 | Printing machine assistants |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 81 Process, plant, machine and construction operatives › 813 Plant and machine operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8135
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Printing machine assistants
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Finishing operative (printing)
- Lithographer (printing)
- Machinist (printing)
- Print operator
- Printer’s assistant
What the job involves
Printing machine assistants set and operate letterpress, platen or cylinder, lithographic and photogravure printing machines, photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and other reprographic equipment.
Typical tasks
- Positions printing plates, loads inks into reservoirs and loads paper rolls or sheets into printing press
- Sets controls to control the speed, pressure and ink flow of printing machine
- Loads photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and other reprographic equipment with stationery
- Starts reprographic or printing machine and monitors operation for paper misfeeds and error messages, removes blockages and replaces damaged paper, and monitors quality of output
- Carries out routine maintenance and cleaning of printing machine
- Sets and operates machines for cutting paper to specified dimensions or for folding or binding to produce finished paper items
- Sets and operates presses for stamping patterns and labels on textiles, clothing, pottery, footwear and other leather goods
Typical entry routes and qualifications
No academic qualifications are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs in Screen Printing are available at levels 1 and 2, and in Machine Printing at levels 2 and 3.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8135
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a printing machine assistant?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a printing machine assistant (SOC 8135). SOC 2020 code 8135 (Printing machine assistants) 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 8135?
8135 is the SOC 2020 code for Printing machine assistants. Printing machine assistants set and operate letterpress, platen or cylinder, lithographic and photogravure printing machines, photocopiers, office printers, duplication machines and other reprographic equipment.
What job titles use SOC code 8135?
GOV.UK lists: Printing machine assistants.
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.