Metal making and treating process operatives (SOC 8115, also written as job code 8115) is eligible for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship only in specific circumstances. This occupation is closed to new Skilled Worker applicants. You can only be sponsored if you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in this same occupation (first granted before 4 April 2024), have held permission continuously since, and are staying with the same sponsor. This is a transitional arrangement that ends on 4 April 2030. The exact rules depend on your visa history and dates — see the breakdown below, or ask our AI assistant to check your situation against the official gov.uk guidance.
Not sure if SOC 8115 applies to your situation?
The answer above is the general rule. Your case can be different if you already hold a visa and are extending or switching, if you were sponsored before a rule change, or depending on your salary. Our AI assistant can explain the full rules from gov.uk guidance.
Ask AI about SOC 8115Metal making and treating process operatives operate furnaces, ovens and other heating vessels, drawing, rolling, extruding, galvanising, forging and other metal processing equipment to smelt, shape, coat and treat metal and metal products.
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided on-the-job. Vocational qualifications at level 2 and 3 in relevant areas, including metal and materials processing and finishing. are available.
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most metal making and treating process operatives in the UK earn between £26,780 and £33,696 in basic pay.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
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This occupation is closed to new Skilled Worker applicants. You can only be sponsored if you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in this same occupation (first granted before 4 April 2024), have held permission continuously since, and are staying with the same sponsor. This is a transitional arrangement that ends on 4 April 2030.
Not sure which route applies to you?
Eligibility here turns on your visa history, application dates and — for care roles — CQC registration. Our AI assistant answers from official gov.uk guidance for your exact situation.
Ask AI about SOC 8115Only in specific circumstances. This occupation is closed to new Skilled Worker applicants. You can only be sponsored if you already hold a Skilled Worker visa in this same occupation (first granted before 4 April 2024), have held permission continuously since, and are staying with the same sponsor. This is a transitional arrangement that ends on 4 April 2030. Because eligibility depends on your visa history and dates, ask our AI assistant to check your exact situation against the official gov.uk rules.
Job code 8115, SOC code 8115 and occupation code 8115 all refer to the same thing: the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) unit group covering metal making and treating process operatives. The Home Office uses this 4-digit code on a Certificate of Sponsorship to check Skilled Worker visa eligibility and to set the going rate salary threshold for the role.
SOC 8115 covers a range of metal making and treating process operatives roles, including: Galvanisers and platers, Metal sprayers and powder coaters, Metal making and treating process operatives not elsewhere classified.. 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.
We list Metal making and treating process operatives roles from companies with a Home Office sponsor licence. Scroll down to see what's currently open, or search our full jobs database for more visa-sponsored positions across the UK.
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.