Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8149).
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 8149 (Assemblers and routine 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 | Assemblers and routine 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 › 814 Assemblers and routine operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8149
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Assembler
- Gluer (furniture mfr)
- Paint line operator
- Production assistant
- Riveter (soft toy mfr)
What the job involves
Job holders in this unit group perform assembly and routine operative tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 814: Assemblers and routine operatives.
Typical tasks
- Follows instructions and drawings and positions components on work bench or in assembly machine
- Assembles prepared components in sequence by soldering, bolting, fastening, spot-welding, screwing, nailing, stapling, dipping and fastening using power and hand tools or assembly machine
- Rejects faulty assembly components, inspects finished article for faults, monitors assembly machine operation and reports any faults
- Applies enamel to jewellery and coats, lacquers, dips and touches up articles (other than ceramic)
- Sets up and operates machines to apply colour to wallpaper and to coat articles (other than ceramic) with paint, cellulose or other protective/ decorative material
- Performs miscellaneous painting and coating tasks not elsewhere classified including, staining articles, applying transfers, operating French polishing machines, removing surplus enamel from components and marking design outlines on articles
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Some employers may set dexterity and aptitude tests for entrants. Normal colour vision may be required for some posts. NVQs/SVQs at levels 1, 2 and 3 are available in a variety of areas.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8149
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa for a job in “assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified”?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa for a job in “assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified” (SOC 8149). SOC 2020 code 8149 (Assemblers and routine 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 8149?
8149 is the SOC 2020 code for Assemblers and routine operatives not elsewhere classified. Job holders in this unit group perform assembly and routine operative tasks not elsewhere classified in minor group 814: Assemblers and routine operatives.
What job titles use SOC code 8149?
GOV.UK lists: Assemblers and routine 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.