Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a groundworker?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a groundworker (SOC 9121).
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 9121 (Groundworkers) 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 | Groundworkers |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 91 Elementary trades and related occupations › 912 Elementary construction occupations |
Job titles under SOC 9121
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Groundworkers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (3)
- Drainage worker
- Ground worker (building construction)
- Trench digger
What the job involves
Groundworkers prepare construction sites for building work by digging out and levelling the ground and laying concrete foundations, installing pipes and drainage and building paths, roads and driveways.
Typical tasks
- Mark out site area set up the construction site
- Prepares site and lays concrete for shallow foundations and fabricates steel cages
- Installs drainage and pipes and redirects waterways away from site
- Builds paths, roads, kerbs and footpaths, using flagstones, paving and tarmac
Typical entry routes and qualifications
No academic qualifications are required. Training is typically provided on-the-job. Vocational qualifications in Ground Works Operations at level 2 and apprenticeships are available.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 9121
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a groundworker?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a groundworker (SOC 9121). SOC 2020 code 9121 (Groundworkers) 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 9121?
9121 is the SOC 2020 code for Groundworkers. Groundworkers prepare construction sites for building work by digging out and levelling the ground and laying concrete foundations, installing pipes and drainage and building paths, roads and driveways.
What job titles use SOC code 9121?
GOV.UK lists: Groundworkers.
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.