Tailors and dressmakers SOC 5413

Tailors and dressmakers (SOC 5413) does not currently qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. It is classified as medium skilled and would need to be added to the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage Occupation List before employers could sponsor for it. There are closely related roles that do qualify, listed further down.

What does a tailors and dressmaker do?

Tailors and dressmakers prepare patterns and make, fit and alter tailored garments, dresses and other articles of clothing.

Typical tasks

takes customer’s measurements and discusses required style and material
prepares individual or adapts stock pattern
examines fabrics or skins for flaws and prepares materials for cutting
arranges pattern on correct grain of fabric, marks position and cuts out garment parts with hand shears, electric knife or cutting machine
pins/tacks and fits garment on customer or dummy model and makes any necessary alterations
sews garment parts together by hand or machine, makes buttonholes and sews on fasteners and trimmings
shapes garment by pressing seams, pleats, etc.
makes alterations to finished garments according to customer’s requirements

Typical entry routes and qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements, although some employers may require GCSEs/S grades. A variety of relevant vocational courses, including apprenticeships in some areas, are available leading to qualifications up to level 3.

Visa sponsorship requirements

SponsorshipNot eligible

Skill levelMedium Skilled (RQF Level 3+)

Visa issuanceSoon

What this means for you

SOC 5413 is classified as medium skilled but does not currently appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, so it's not currently eligible for new sponsorship.

If you're interested in this field, you have a few options:

Check the eligible alternative occupation codes listed below — some closely related roles do qualify.
Explore other visa routes that may not require employer sponsorship.
Search for roles under eligible SOC codes in a similar field.

Roles under SOC 5413

Costume makers Dressmakers Fitters and alterations assistants Kilt makers Milliners (excludes wholesale, retail trade)Tailors Tailors and dressmakers

Frequently asked questions

Can tailors and dressmakers get a UK Skilled Worker visa?

Not under SOC 5413. Tailors and dressmakers is classified as Medium Skilled, which doesn't meet the requirements for Skilled Worker sponsorship right now. That said, some closely related occupation codes in the same field are eligible, so have a look at the related codes section on this page.

What job titles are covered by SOC 5413?

SOC 5413 covers a range of tailors and dressmakers roles, including: Costume makers, Dressmakers, Fitters and alterations assistants, Kilt makers, Milliners (excludes wholesale, retail trade), Tailors, and 1 more. Keep in mind that the Home Office matches jobs by duties rather than title alone. Two roles with the same title can fall under different SOC codes depending on the actual work involved.

What are my visa options if I work as a tailors and dressmakers?

SOC 5413 itself doesn't qualify, but that doesn't mean you're out of options. The most common workaround is finding a closely related role that falls under an eligible SOC code. We've listed any eligible alternatives further up this page. It's also worth looking into visa routes that aren't tied to a specific occupation, like the Global Talent visa, Graduate visa, or High Potential Individual visa.

This information is provided as guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice. Eligibility criteria and salary thresholds are based on the latest published government data. Always verify with the official UK government guidance or seek professional immigration advice.