Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a sewing machinist?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a sewing machinist (SOC 8146).
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 8146 (Sewing machinists) 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 | Sewing machinists |
|---|---|
| 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 › 814 Assemblers and routine operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8146
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Sewing machinists
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Overlocker
- Seamstress
- Sewing machinist
- Stitcher
- Upholstery machinist
What the job involves
Sewing machinists sew and finish garments by hand or machine, rectify faults in manufactured textile goods and repair worn and damaged garments.
Typical tasks
- Operates standard and specialised machines to sew, finish and repair garments and other textile, fabric, fur and skin products
- Examines fabrics of all types to identify imperfections and determine best method of repair
- Performs hand sewing tasks in the making, trimming and finishing of fur, sheepskin, leather, upholstery, mats, carpets, umbrellas and other textile products
- Embroiders decorative designs on textiles with machine stitching
- Routinely cleans and oils machine and reports or remedies any mechanical faults
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is received Off and on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs are available at levels 1 and 2.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8146
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a sewing machinist?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a sewing machinist (SOC 8146). SOC 2020 code 8146 (Sewing machinists) 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 8146?
8146 is the SOC 2020 code for Sewing machinists. Sewing machinists sew and finish garments by hand or machine, rectify faults in manufactured textile goods and repair worn and damaged garments.
What job titles use SOC code 8146?
GOV.UK lists: Sewing machinists.
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.