Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers (SOC 9132) does not currently qualify for UK Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. The government considers it below the skill level required for the Skilled Worker route. There are closely related roles that do qualify, listed further down.
What does a packers, bottlers, canners and filler do?
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.
What packers, bottlers, canners and fillers earn in the UK
£26,728
basic median, full-time▲ 6.8% YoY
UK market basic pay at a glance
ASHE 2025
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
The £41,700 threshold is above the 90th percentile for Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers. Skilled Worker sponsorship is impractical without an exemption.
Most packers, bottlers, canners and fillers in the UK earn between £25,116 and £29,796 in basic pay, with experienced professionals in the top 10% earning above £34,476.
Roles classified under SOC 9132 fall below the RQF Level 6 skill threshold required for new Skilled Worker visa applications. Employers cannot sponsor new overseas workers for this specific occupation code.
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.
Can packers, bottlers, canners and fillers get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Not under SOC 9132. Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers is classified as Ineligible, 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 9132?
SOC 9132 covers a range of packers, bottlers, canners and fillers roles, including: Packers, bottlers, canners and fillers. 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 packers, bottlers, canners and fillers?
SOC 9132 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.