Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a production, factory or assembly supervisor?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a production, factory or assembly supervisor (SOC 8160).
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 8160 (Production, factory and assembly supervisors) 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 | Production, factory and assembly supervisors |
|---|---|
| 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 › 816 Production, factory and assembly supervisors |
Job titles under SOC 8160
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Production, factory and assembly supervisors
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (6)
- Foreman (plasterboard mfr)
- Leading hand (textile mfr)
- Mill foreman (food products mfr)
- Print room supervisor
- Process supervisor (chemical mfr)
- Production team leader (vehicle mfr)
What the job involves
Production, factory and assembly supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the technical and operational work of those carrying out production, manufacturing and assembly roles.
Typical tasks
- Directly supervises and coordinates the activities of production, manufacturing and assembly staff
- Establishes and monitors work schedules to meet the organisation’s requirements
- Liaises with managers and other senior staff to resolve operational problems
- Determines or recommends staffing and other needs to meet the organisation’s requirements
- Reports as required to managerial staff on work-related matters
Typical entry routes and qualifications
Academic qualifications may not be required but relevant experience is necessary, and some GCSEs/S grades or an equivalent academic or vocational qualification may be an advantage. Apprenticeships combining practical work experience and technical training are available in some areas.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8160
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a production, factory or assembly supervisor?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a production, factory or assembly supervisor (SOC 8160). SOC 2020 code 8160 (Production, factory and assembly supervisors) 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 8160?
8160 is the SOC 2020 code for Production, factory and assembly supervisors. Production, factory and assembly supervisors oversee operations and directly supervise and coordinate the technical and operational work of those carrying out production, manufacturing and assembly roles.
What job titles use SOC code 8160?
GOV.UK lists: Production, factory and assembly supervisors.
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.