Security guards and related occupations (SOC 9231) 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 security guards and related occupation do?
Security guards and related occupations protect merchandise, individuals, hotels, offices, factories, shops, public grounds and private estates from injury, theft or damage.
Typical tasks
walks or rides near person requiring protection, watches for suspicious occurrences and defends guarded person from attack
monitors, patrols and deals with security difficulties in hotels, factories, offices and other premises, and public or private estates to prevent theft and unauthorised entry
checks persons and vehicles entering and leaving premises, establishes their credentials and arranges for escorts for visitors
provides entry security, checks tickets, manages queues, takes entry fees, and escorts people from the premises where necessary in a variety of public venues such as nightclubs, pubs and bars
receives duty sheet, time-clock and keys for premises to be visited, checks locks, doors, windows, etc. and reports any suspicious circumstances to security headquarters
calls in civil police and gives evidence in court where necessary
ejects persons in illegal occupation of premises
watches for illegal fishing or attempted smuggling
patrols airport, checks passengers baggage, operates metal detectors and x-rays and assists in responding to emergency situations
greets and organises people attending court cases, ensures necessary parties are present, calls defendants and witnesses, directs oath taking and keeps order in the courtroom
Typical entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. For some vacancies a current and clean driving licence is required and entrants may have to pass a medical examination. Training is typically provided on-the-job. NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of security guarding are available at level 2.
Most security guards and related occupations in the UK earn between £27,456 and £37,024 in basic pay, with experienced professionals in the top 10% earning above £43,316.
Roles classified under SOC 9231 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 security guards and related occupations get a UK Skilled Worker visa?
Not under SOC 9231. Security guards and related occupations 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 9231?
SOC 9231 covers a range of security guards and related occupations roles, including: CCTV operators (excludes drain surveying), Court ushers, Detention officers, Door supervisors, Security guards and related occupations 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.
What are my visa options if I work as a security guards and related occupations?
SOC 9231 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.