What is SOC code 1252?

SOC code 1252 is the Standard Occupational Classification code for garage managers and proprietors. UK employers use it on a Certificate of Sponsorship to identify the job being sponsored.

Is occupation code 1252 eligible for the Skilled Worker visa?

Only in limited cases. Code 1252 is Medium Skilled (RQF 3–5), so it can be sponsored mainly where the occupation is on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, or for workers already in the route before 22 July 2025.

What is the minimum salary for SOC code 1252?

The going rate for code 1252 is £45,600 a year. You must be paid at least the going rate or the general threshold of £41,700, whichever is higher — so a minimum of £45,600 for a standard application.

SOC Code 1252: Garage managers and proprietors

Occupation code 1252 covers garage managers and proprietors. On the UK Skilled Worker route this code is classed as Medium Skilled, with a standard going rate of £45,600.

Is code 1252 eligible for sponsorship?

Occupation code 1252 is classed as Medium Skilled (RQF levels 3–5). It is not automatically eligible: it can only be sponsored in limited circumstances — typically where the occupation appears on the Immigration Salary List or the interim Temporary Shortage List, or where the worker was already in the Skilled Worker route before 22 July 2025. Workers sponsored in RQF 3–5 roles through those lists generally cannot bring dependants.

Salary requirement for code 1252

General salary threshold (most new applicants)	£41,700
Standard going rate for code 1252	£45,600 (£23.38/hour)
Lower going rate (discounted cases)	£36,300 (£18.62/hour)

What you must actually be paid

You must meet both the general threshold and the going rate — whichever is higher applies. For occupation code 1252 that means a minimum of £45,600 a year for a standard application, set by the going rate for this occupation.

If you qualify for a discounted rate — a new entrant, someone switching from a Student or Graduate visa, a relevant PhD holder, or a role on the Immigration Salary List — the comparison is against the lower going rate and the £33,400 threshold, giving a minimum of £36,300.

Which figure is realistic for this code? Because 1252 is Medium Skilled, the usual way in is through the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List — and those carry the discounted threshold, so £36,300 is normally the relevant number rather than £45,600. Health and Care Worker roles paid on national pay scales are assessed against a separate £25,000 threshold instead.

Only guaranteed basic gross pay counts. Overtime, bonuses, tips, allowances and the value of benefits such as accommodation are excluded. Going rates are quoted for a 37.5-hour week and are pro-rated for different hours. See how salary thresholds work.

Job titles under this code

GOV.UK lists the following related job titles for occupation code 1252. Your employer should choose the code that matches your actual duties, not your job title — different employers use different titles for the same work.

Garage managers and proprietors

Which employers can sponsor this role?

Any employer holding a Skilled Worker sponsor licence can sponsor an eligible occupation — the licence is not granted per occupation code. What you need to check is that the employer appears on the Home Office register with the Skilled Worker route and an A rating.

Search over 125,000 licensed sponsor records on the UK sponsor list, filter by town on sponsors by city, or check a specific employer in the A–Z company directory.

Related occupation codes

Other codes in the same managers, directors and senior officials group:

Source: GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa: going rates for eligible occupation codes and eligible occupations tables, in force since 22 July 2025 and checked on 10 August 2026. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm the current position on GOV.UK before applying.