Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a packer, bottler, canner or filler?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a packer, bottler, canner or filler (SOC 9132).
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 9132 (Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers) 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 | Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers |
|---|---|
| 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 › 913 Elementary process plant occupations |
Job titles under SOC 9132
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (4)
- Factory worker (packing)
- Packaging operator
- Packer
- Paint filler
What the job involves
Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers pack, wrap, fill, label and seal containers by hand or machine.
Typical tasks
- Selects appropriate cylinder, ensures that there is no corrosion or other damage and fills with gas
- Fills tubes, ampoules, bottles, drums, barrels, bags, sacks, cans, boxes and other containers by hand using measuring/weighing aid or by positioning container under feeder spout
- Packs heavy goods in crates and boxes using hoist, mobile crane or similar lifting equipment
- Loads machine with packaging containers, materials, adhesive, etc., loads hopper with items to be packaged/wrapped, monitors filling, wrapping and packaging, adjusts controls as necessary and clears any blockages
- Examines cans, bottles and seals and rejects any that are faulty
- Labels goods by hand or machine
- Packs specialist items according to specifications and completes necessary documentation
Typical entry routes and qualifications
No academic qualifications are required. Training is typically provided on-the-job and varies according to the type of packing and product. Formal courses are run for specialist packing.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 9132
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a packer, bottler, canner or filler?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a packer, bottler, canner or filler (SOC 9132). SOC 2020 code 9132 (Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers) 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 9132?
9132 is the SOC 2020 code for Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers. Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers pack, wrap, fill, label and seal containers by hand or machine.
What job titles use SOC code 9132?
GOV.UK lists: Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers.
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.