Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a fork-lift truck driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a fork-lift truck driver (SOC 8222).
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 8222 (Fork-lift truck drivers) 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 | Fork-lift truck drivers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 82 Transport and mobile machine drivers and operatives › 822 Mobile machine drivers and operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8222
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Fork-lift truck drivers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
- Fork lift driver
- Fork lift truck driver
- Fork truck operator
- Stacker-driver
What the job involves
Fork-lift truck drivers operate fork-lift trucks in factories, warehouses, storerooms and other areas to transfer goods and materials.
Typical tasks
- Operates controls to pick up load on forks
- Drives truck to unloading point and lowers forks to correct position on stack or ground
- Ensures that truck is connected to charger or is correctly refuelled for use
- Keeps records of work undertaken
- Cleans, oils and greases machine
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. A variety of vocational qualifications in Forklift Truck Operations are available at level 2.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8222
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a fork-lift truck driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a fork-lift truck driver (SOC 8222). SOC 2020 code 8222 (Fork-lift truck drivers) 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 8222?
8222 is the SOC 2020 code for Fork-lift truck drivers. Fork-lift truck drivers operate fork-lift trucks in factories, warehouses, storerooms and other areas to transfer goods and materials.
What job titles use SOC code 8222?
GOV.UK lists: Fork-lift truck drivers.
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.