Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8139).
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 8139 (Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified) 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 | Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified |
|---|---|
| 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 8139
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Aerial installers
- Cable operatives
- Laser operators
- Spring makers
- Plant and machine breakers and dismantlers
- Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Bench hand (metal trades)
- Cable maker (spring mfr)
- Laser operator
- Manufacturer (metal goods mfr)
- Saw doctor
What the job involves
Job holders in this unit group operate a variety of plant and machinery not elsewhere classified in minor group 813: Plant and machine operatives.
Typical tasks
- Operates acetylene torches and other cutting equipment to dismantle boilers, cars, ships, railway track, engines, machinery and other scrap metal
- Bends, coils, crimps and spins metal wires in the manufacture of cables, springs, ropes and other wire goods
- Operates machines in the manufacture of nuts, bolts, nails, screws, pins, rivets, etc
- Fills grease gun with grease of appropriate grade, and applies grease or oil to grease points or lubrication holes in machinery or equipment and over bearings, axles and other similar parts
- Ensures that rollers in rope haulage system are well greased and running freely
- Inspects machines and equipment, and reports any faults
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs are available in some areas.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8139
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8139). SOC 2020 code 8139 (Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified) 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 8139?
8139 is the SOC 2020 code for Plant and machine operatives not elsewhere classified. Job holders in this unit group operate a variety of plant and machinery not elsewhere classified in minor group 813: Plant and machine operatives.
What job titles use SOC code 8139?
GOV.UK lists: Aerial installers, Cable operatives, Laser operators, Spring makers, Plant and machine breakers and dismantlers, Plant and machine operatives 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.