Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a train or tram driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a train or tram driver (SOC 8231).
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 8231 (Train and tram 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 | Train and tram 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 › 823 Other drivers and transport operatives |
Job titles under SOC 8231
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Train and tram drivers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Diesel driver (railways)
- Train driver
- Train operator
- Tram driver
- Shunter driver
What the job involves
Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.
Typical tasks
- Checks controls, gauges, brakes and lights before start of journey and studies route, timetable and track information
- Checks safety equipment, regulates the heating of passenger compartments and records engine defects or unusual incidents on the journey
- Starts train or tram when directed and operates controls to regulate speed
- Watches for track hazards, observes signals and temperature, pressure and other gauges
- Stops as directed to allow passengers to embark/ disembark
- Makes scheduled stops for the loading and unloading of freight and coupling/uncoupling of carriages and tubs
- Maintains radio contact with control centre
- May make passenger announcements and controls automatic doors
- May check travel passes, collect fares and deal with passenger queries
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic requirements. Entrants must pass a series of tests and a medical examination. Age restrictions apply in some areas of work. Good hearing, good eyesight and normal colour vision are required. Off and on-the-job training is provided. NVQs/SVQs are available at level 2.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 8231
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a train or tram driver?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a train or tram driver (SOC 8231). SOC 2020 code 8231 (Train and tram 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 8231?
8231 is the SOC 2020 code for Train and tram drivers. Train and tram drivers drive diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives that transport passengers and goods on surface and underground railways, and transport passengers in trams.
What job titles use SOC code 8231?
GOV.UK lists: Train and tram 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.