9252SOC 2020 · 9 · 92 · 925Medium Skilled · Table 2a

Warehouse operatives: UK Skilled Worker visa and SOC 9252

Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only

Rules checked against GOV.UK 6 November 2026 · Compiled by SWC Editorial Team

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a warehouse operative?

Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a warehouse operative (SOC 9252). It is only open to people who have had a Skilled Worker visa without a break since before 4 April 2024, applying before 4 April 2030 to stay with the same employer.

What you need

You must have:

  • a job offer from a UK employer that's allowed to sponsor visas (check the sponsor list)
  • a "certificate of sponsorship" from that employer: a reference number with details of your job
  • English at level B2: you can usually prove it with an approved test or a degree taught in English (ways to prove it)
  • £1,270 in savings, unless your employer covers your first month or you've been in the UK for 12 months or more

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 9252 (Warehouse operatives) is Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only (Below RQF level 3). It is listed in Table 2a of Appendix Skilled OccupationsT2a · 29 Oct 26: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission.

Source: Appendix Skilled Occupations and eligible occupations and codes, GOV.UK.
Key facts for SOC 9252
OccupationWarehouse operatives
Skilled Worker eligibilityMedium Skilled – extending in same occupation only
Going rate£31,300 a year (£16.05 an hour)T2a
Appendix table(s)Table 2a, Table 6
Immigration Salary ListNo
Temporary Shortage ListNo
Eligible for PhD pointsNo
Equivalent SOC 2010 code(s)4134
SOC 2020 group92 Elementary administration and service occupations › 925 Elementary storage occupations

Going rates for 9252 in Appendix Skilled Occupations

A code can appear in more than one table. Each table applies to different applicants. Rates are per year for a 37.5-hour week and must be pro-rated for other hours.

Table and who it applies toGoing rate90%80%70%
Table 2aOnly for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission. £31,300
£16.05/hr		n/an/a£25,000
£12.82/hr

Salary thresholds that apply to 9252

Under Appendix Skilled Worker, the salary must equal or exceed both the general threshold and the going-rate figure for the points option used. This table puts the two figures side by side for each option. It does not say which option applies to any person. See salary thresholds for the conditions on each option.

Options F–J (going rates from Table 2a)
OptionConditionGeneral thresholdGoing-rate figureHigher of the two
FStandard £31,300£31,300 (100%) £31,300
GThe applicant has a PhD in a subject relevant to the job £28,200Not applicable –
HThe applicant has a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job £25,000Not applicable –
IThe applicant is being sponsored for a job on the Immigration Salary List (this code is not on the list) £25,000Not applicable –
JThe applicant is a new entrant at the start of their career £25,000£25,000 (70%) £25,000

Job titles under SOC 9252

GOV.UK lists these related job titles:

  • Warehouse operatives
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
  • Order picker
  • Storeman
  • Team member (warehousing)
  • Warehouse operative
  • Warehouseman

What the job involves

Warehouse operatives load, unload and convey a variety of goods, equipment or other items in warehouses and depots, prepare requisitions or despatch documents of stocks held, and perform other elementary goods handling and storage related tasks.

Typical tasks

  • Undertakes the loading and unloading of goods and conveys goods about storage area
  • Packs furniture and household goods into crates and cartons for storage
  • Retrieves stored items as listed on order sheets, makes up orders against requisitions and prepares goods for despatch
  • Checks goods for damage or missing stock and maintains an inventory of stock
  • Cleans and maintains warehouse

Typical entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided Off or on-the-job. NVQs/ in Warehousing and Storage are available at levels 1, 2 and 3.

Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.

Questions about SOC 9252

Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a warehouse operative?

Usually no. New applicants cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a warehouse operative (SOC 9252). It is only open to people who have had a Skilled Worker visa without a break since before 4 April 2024, applying before 4 April 2030 to stay with the same employer. SOC 2020 code 9252 (Warehouse operatives) is Medium Skilled – extending in same occupation only (Below RQF level 3). It is listed in Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations: only for people granted Skilled Worker permission before 4 April 2024, held continuously, applying before 4 April 2030 to work for the same sponsor as in their most recent permission.

What is SOC code 9252?

9252 is the SOC 2020 code for Warehouse operatives. Warehouse operatives load, unload and convey a variety of goods, equipment or other items in warehouses and depots, prepare requisitions or despatch documents of stocks held, and perform other elementary goods handling and storage related tasks.

What is the going rate for SOC code 9252?

Table 2a of Appendix Skilled Occupations gives a going rate of £31,300 a year (£16.05 an hour) for 9252, based on a 37.5-hour week. It must be pro-rated for other working hours.

What job titles use SOC code 9252?

GOV.UK lists: Warehouse operatives.

Sources

Compiled by SWC Editorial Team from the sources above. An information summary, not immigration advice. Report an error on this page.