Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a waiter or waitress?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a waiter or waitress (SOC 9264).
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 9264 (Waiters and waitresses) 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 | Waiters and waitresses |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker eligibility | Ineligible |
| Going rate | Not applicable |
| Appendix table(s) | Table 6 |
| Immigration Salary List | No |
| Temporary Shortage List | No |
| SOC 2020 group | 92 Elementary administration and service occupations › 926 Other elementary services occupations |
Job titles under SOC 9264
GOV.UK lists these related job titles:
- Waiters and waitresses
More job titles from the ONS SOC 2020 index (5)
- Food and beverage assistant
- Silver service waiter
- Steward (catering)
- Waiter
- Waitress
What the job involves
Waiters and waitresses serve food and beverages in hotels, clubs, restaurants public houses and other establishments.
Typical tasks
- Sets tables with clean linen, cutlery, crockery and glassware
- Presents menus and wine lists to patrons and may describe dishes and advise on selection of food or wines
- Takes down orders for food and/or drinks and passes order to kitchen and/or bar
- Serves food and drinks
- Presents bill and accepts payment at end of the meal
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements, though some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs in relevant areas are available at levels 1 and 2.
Description: ONS SOC 2020 Volume 1.
Questions about SOC 9264
Can you get a Skilled Worker visa as a waiter or waitress?
No. You cannot get a UK Skilled Worker visa as a waiter or waitress (SOC 9264). SOC 2020 code 9264 (Waiters and waitresses) 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 9264?
9264 is the SOC 2020 code for Waiters and waitresses. Waiters and waitresses serve food and beverages in hotels, clubs, restaurants public houses and other establishments.
What job titles use SOC code 9264?
GOV.UK lists: Waiters and waitresses.
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.