Warehouse operatives (SOC 9252, also written as job code 9252) 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 9252 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 9252Warehouse operatives load, unload and convey a variety of goods, equipment or other items in warehouses and depots, prepare requisitions or despatch documents of stocks held, and perform other elementary goods handling and storage related tasks.
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Training is typically provided Off or on-the-job. NVQs/ in Warehousing and Storage are available at levels 1, 2 and 3.
UK market salary · ASHE 2025
Plus £392 – £2,603 in bonus & commission
How visa salary requirements compare to what employers pay.
Most warehouse operatives in the UK earn between £25,376 and £30,524 in basic pay, with experienced professionals in the top 10% earning above £35,152.
All figures are before tax. Calculate your take-home pay.
Comparing with an offer back home? Try the UK vs home country calculator.
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 9252Only 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 9252, SOC code 9252 and occupation code 9252 all refer to the same thing: the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC 2020) unit group covering warehouse 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 9252 covers a range of warehouse operatives roles, including: Warehouse operatives. 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 Warehouse 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.