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Occupation Lists

Ineligible Occupations

The following occupations are generally ineligible for an employment permit under DETE rules (Schedule 4 of the Regulations). However, some have specific exceptions, so filter below to see which roles may still qualify under certain circumstances.

Source: DETE Ineligible List, effective 02 September 2024

262

Total ineligible occupations

63

With DETE exceptions

199

Fully ineligible (no exceptions)

Some Exceptions Apply

63 occupations on this list have documented DETE exceptions. These include roles such as senior chefs, HGV drivers, bus drivers, language-specific customer service and credit control roles, disability service roles, construction safety officers, genetic counsellors, CNC operatives, paramedics, farm assistants, and many others. Where an exception is noted, a General Employment Permit may be granted if specific conditions are met.

Showing 262 of 262 ineligible occupations

122 - Managers in Hospitality and Leisure Services

3
SOC 1225Leisure Centre Manager
SOC 1225Sports Facility Manager
SOC 1226Travel Agency Manager

124 - Managers in Health and Care Services

3
SOC 1242Residential Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 1242Day Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 1242Domiciliary Care ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

125 - Managers in Other Services

14
SOC 1251Property Manager
SOC 1251Housing Manager
SOC 1251Estate Manager
SOC 1252Garage Manager
SOC 1253Hairdressing Salon Manager
SOC 1253Beauty Salon Manager
SOC 1254Shopkeeper
SOC 1255Waste Disposal Manager
SOC 1255Environmental Services Manager
SOC 1259Betting Shop ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Graphic Design ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Library ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Plant Hire ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

SOC 1259Production ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Safety Manager)

244 - Welfare Professionals

1
SOC 2443Probation Officer

312 - Draughtspersons and Related Architectural Technicians

1
SOC 3121Town Planning Technician

321 - Health Associate Professionals

8
SOC 3217Pharmaceutical Technician
SOC 3218Dental Technician
SOC 3219AcupuncturistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219HomeopathExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219HypnotherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219Massage TherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219ReflexologistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

SOC 3219Sports TherapistExceptions apply

(with the exception of Genetic Counsellor)

323 - Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals

5
SOC 3231Youth WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Family Support Workers working in disability services)

SOC 3231Community WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Family Support Workers working in disability services)

SOC 3233Child and Early Years Officer
SOC 3234Housing Officer
SOC 3235Counsellor

331 - Protective Service Occupations

5
SOC 3311NCO
SOC 3312Police Officer
SOC 3313Fire Service Officer
SOC 3314Prison Service Officer
SOC 3315Police Community Support Officer

344 - Sports and Fitness Occupations

1
SOC 3443Fitness Instructor

352 - Legal Associate Professionals

2
SOC 3520Legal ExecutiveExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a State which is not a member of the EEA and who has market knowledge of that non-EEA state)

SOC 3520ParalegalExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a State which is not a member of the EEA and who has market knowledge of that non-EEA state)

354 - Sales, Marketing and Related Associate Professionals

6
SOC 3544Estate Agent
SOC 3544Auctioneer
SOC 3546Conference Manager
SOC 3546Exhibition Manager
SOC 3546Conference Organiser
SOC 3546Exhibition Organiser

356 - Public Services and Other Associate Professionals

9
SOC 3563Vocational TrainerExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Industrial TrainerExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Vocational InstructorExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3563Industrial InstructorExceptions apply

(with the exception of mobility instructors for the visually impaired) (with the exception of Autism Assistance Dog Instructor)

SOC 3564Careers AdviserExceptions apply

(with the exception of career guidance teachers in secondary schools)

SOC 3564Vocational Guidance SpecialistExceptions apply

(with the exception of career guidance teachers in secondary schools)

SOC 3565Standards Inspector
SOC 3565Regulations Inspector
SOC 3567Health and Safety OfficerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Construction Safety Officers)

411 - Administrative Occupations: Government and Related Organisations

2
SOC 4112Government Administrator
SOC 4113Local Government Administrator

412 - Administrative Occupations: Finance

7
SOC 4121Credit ControllerExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, in a role in credit control where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Book-keeperExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Payroll ManagerExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4122Wages ClerkExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA in a role in accounts payable where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency)

SOC 4123Bank Clerk
SOC 4123Post Office Clerk
SOC 4124Finance Officer

413 - Administrative Occupations: Records

7
SOC 4131Records Clerk
SOC 4132Pensions Clerk
SOC 4132Insurance Clerk
SOC 4133Stock Control Clerk
SOC 4135Library Clerk
SOC 4135Library Assistant
SOC 4138HR Administrator

415 - Other Administrative Occupations

1
SOC 4151Sales Administrator

416 - Administrative Occupations: Office Managers and Supervisors

2
SOC 4161Office Manager
SOC 4162Office Supervisor

421 - Secretarial and Related Occupations

8
SOC 4211Medical Secretary
SOC 4212Legal Secretary
SOC 4213School Secretary
SOC 4214Company Secretary
SOC 4215Personal Assistant
SOC 4215Secretary
SOC 4216Receptionist
SOC 4217Typist

511 - Agricultural and Related Trades

6
SOC 5111FarmerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Pig Manager)

SOC 5112Horticulturist
SOC 5113Gardener
SOC 5113Landscape Gardener
SOC 5114Groundsman
SOC 5114Greenkeeper

523 - Vehicle Trades

3
SOC 5236Boat Builder
SOC 5236Ship Builder
SOC 5237Rolling Stock Engineer

524 - Electrical and Electronic Trades

3
SOC 5244TV Engineer
SOC 5244Video Engineer
SOC 5244Audio Engineer

541 - Textiles and Garments Trades

4
SOC 5411Weaver
SOC 5411Knitter
SOC 5413Footwear Maker
SOC 5413Leather Worker

542 - Printing Trades

4
SOC 5421Pre-press Technician
SOC 5422Printer
SOC 5423Print Finisher
SOC 5423Bookbinder

543 - Food Preparation and Hospitality Trades

5
SOC 5432Flour Confectioner
SOC 5433Fishmonger
SOC 5433Poultry Dresser
SOC 5434ChefExceptions apply

(with the exception of - Executive Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Head Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Sous Chef with minimum of 5 years' experience Chef de Partie with minimum of 2 years' experience Commis Chef with minimum of 2 years' experience who will be employed in establishments other than fast food outlets)

SOC 5435Cook

544 - Other Skilled Trades

4
SOC 5441Glass Maker
SOC 5441Ceramics Maker
SOC 5441Glass Decorator
SOC 5443Florist

612 - Childcare and Related Personal Services

5
SOC 6121Nursery Nurse
SOC 6121Nursery Assistant
SOC 6122Childminder
SOC 6125Teaching Assistant
SOC 6126Educational Support Assistant

613 - Animal Care and Control Services

3
SOC 6131Veterinary Nurse
SOC 6132Pest Control Officer
SOC 6139Animal Care WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of work riders)

614 - Caring Personal Services

10
SOC 6142Ambulance WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of paramedics)

SOC 6142Emergency Medical TechnicianExceptions apply

(with the exception of paramedics)

SOC 6143Dental Nurse
SOC 6144Houseparent
SOC 6144Residential Warden
SOC 6146Senior Care WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of those working in disability services)

SOC 6147Care Escort
SOC 6148Undertaker
SOC 6148Mortuary Assistant
SOC 6148Crematorium Assistant

621 - Leisure and Travel Services

5
SOC 6211Sports Assistant
SOC 6211Leisure Assistant
SOC 6212Travel Agent
SOC 6214Air Travel Assistant
SOC 6215Rail Travel Assistant

622 - Hairdressers and Related Services

4
SOC 6221Hairdresser
SOC 6221Barber
SOC 6222Beautician
SOC 6222Beauty Therapist

623 - Housekeeping and Related Services

2
SOC 6231Housekeeper
SOC 6232Caretaker

624 - Cleaning and Housekeeping Managers and Supervisors

4
SOC 6240Cleaning Manager
SOC 6240Housekeeping Manager
SOC 6240Cleaning Supervisor
SOC 6240Housekeeping Supervisor

711 - Sales Assistants and Retail Cashiers

9
SOC 7111Sales Assistant
SOC 7111Retail Assistant
SOC 7112Retail Cashier
SOC 7112Check-out Operator
SOC 7113Telesales Agent
SOC 7114Pharmacy Assistant
SOC 7114Dispensing Assistant
SOC 7115Vehicle Sales Adviser
SOC 7115Parts Adviser

712 - Sales Related Occupations

9
SOC 7121Credit Agent
SOC 7121Door-to-Door Collector
SOC 7122Debt Collector
SOC 7122Rent Collector
SOC 7123Van Sales Representative
SOC 7124Market Trader
SOC 7124Street Trader
SOC 7125Merchandiser
SOC 7125Window Dresser

713 - Sales Supervisors

1
SOC 7130Sales Supervisor

721 - Customer Service Occupations

5
SOC 7211Call Centre AgentExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and is in- a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge, a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or a specialist language support and technical sales support role)

SOC 7211Contact Centre AgentExceptions apply

(with the exception of employment of a person fluent in the official language, apart from English, of a state which is not a Member State of the EEA, where the employment is supported by an enterprise development agency and is in- a customer service and sales role with relevant product knowledge, a specialist online digital marketing and sales role, or a specialist language support and technical sales support role)

SOC 7213Telephonist
SOC 7214Communication Operator
SOC 7215Market Research Interviewer

722 - Customer Service Managers and Supervisors

2
SOC 7220Customer Service Manager
SOC 7220Customer Service Supervisor

811 - Process Operatives

11
SOC 8111Food Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative and Meat processor operative)

SOC 8111Drink Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative and Meat processor operative)

SOC 8111Tobacco Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative and Meat processor operative)

SOC 8112Glass Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8112Ceramics Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8113Textile Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8114Chemical Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8115Rubber Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8116Plastics Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8117Metal Process WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8118ElectroplaterExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

812 - Plant and Machine Operatives

8
SOC 8121Paper Machine OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8122Coal MinerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8123Quarry WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8124Energy Plant OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8125Metal Working Machine OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8126Water Treatment OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8126Sewerage Plant OperatorExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

SOC 8127Printing Machine AssistantExceptions apply

(with the exception of Computer Numerical Control Operative)

813 - Assemblers and Routine Operatives

13
SOC 8131Electrical AssemblerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Armature Rewinder)

SOC 8131Electronic AssemblerExceptions apply

(with the exception of Armature Rewinder)

SOC 8132Vehicle Assembler
SOC 8132Metal Goods Assembler
SOC 8133Quality Inspector
SOC 8133Product Tester
SOC 8134Weigher
SOC 8134Grader
SOC 8134Sorter
SOC 8135Tyre Fitter
SOC 8135Exhaust Fitter
SOC 8135Windscreen Fitter
SOC 8137Sewing Machinist

814 - Construction Operatives

3
SOC 8142Road Construction Worker
SOC 8143Rail Construction Worker
SOC 8143Rail Maintenance Worker

821 - Road Transport Drivers

7
SOC 8211HGV DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of heavy goods vehicle drivers who have- a category CE or C1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category CE or C1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction)

SOC 8212Van Driver
SOC 8213Bus DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of bus and coach drivers who have- a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction).

SOC 8213Coach DriverExceptions apply

(with the exception of bus and coach drivers who have- a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence, or an equivalent category to a category D, DE, D1 or D1E driving licence identified through a mutual recognition agreement between the Road Safety Authority and the appropriate regulatory authority in another jurisdiction).

SOC 8214Taxi Driver
SOC 8214Chauffeur
SOC 8215Driving Instructor

822 - Mobile Machine Drivers and Operatives

2
SOC 8222Fork-lift Truck Driver
SOC 8223Agricultural Machinery Driver

823 - Other Drivers and Transport Operatives

6
SOC 8231Train Driver
SOC 8231Tram Driver
SOC 8232Marine Transport Worker
SOC 8232Waterways Worker
SOC 8233Air Transport Worker
SOC 8234Rail Transport Worker

911 - Elementary Agricultural Occupations

2
SOC 9111Farm WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of dairy farm assistants) (with the exception of pig farm assistants)

SOC 9112Forestry WorkerExceptions apply

(with the exception of forestry worker/speciality forestry harvesting technician)

912 - Elementary Construction Occupations

1
SOC 9120Construction Labourer

913 - Elementary Process Plant Occupations

4
SOC 9132Industrial Cleaner
SOC 9134Packer
SOC 9134Bottler
SOC 9134Canner

921 - Elementary Administration Occupations

4
SOC 9211Postal Worker
SOC 9211Mail Sorter
SOC 9211Messenger
SOC 9211Courier

923 - Elementary Cleaning Occupations

11
SOC 9231Window Cleaner
SOC 9232Street Cleaner
SOC 9233Cleaner
SOC 9233Domestic Worker
SOC 9234Launderer
SOC 9234Dry Cleaner
SOC 9234Presser
SOC 9235Refuse Collector
SOC 9235Salvage Worker
SOC 9236Vehicle Valeter
SOC 9236Vehicle Cleaner

924 - Elementary Security Occupations

5
SOC 9241Security Guard
SOC 9242Parking Attendant
SOC 9242Civil Enforcement Officer
SOC 9244School Crossing Patrol
SOC 9244Lunchtime Supervisor

925 - Elementary Sales Occupations

1
SOC 9251Shelf Filler

926 - Elementary Storage Occupations

1
SOC 9260Warehouse Worker

927 - Other Elementary Services Occupations

9
SOC 9271Hospital Porter
SOC 9272Kitchen Assistant
SOC 9272Catering Assistant
SOC 9273Waiter
SOC 9273Waitress
SOC 9274Bartender
SOC 9274Bar Worker
SOC 9275Leisure Attendant
SOC 9275Theme Park Attendant

All - Work in the private home

1
SOC ALL1Domestic Worker (Private Home)

Think an exception might apply to your role?

Check Your Eligibility

Based on official figures

Ineligible occupations and their exceptions are set by DETE. This list reflects the official Ineligible List of Occupations; confirm any specific role there.

Official government sources · last checked 6 July 2026.