Vehicle valeters and cleaners
Official visa salary requirements and eligibility data for 2026.
Going Rate (Annual)
£19,200
Based on 37.5 hour week
Hourly Rate
£9.85
Minimum per hour
⛔ OCCUPATION REMOVED FROM SKILLED WORKER VISA
This occupation code was REMOVED from Skilled Worker visa eligibility on 22 July 2025.
Removed from Skilled Worker visa eligibility from 22 July 2025 due to RQF Level 6 requirement. No longer meets minimum skill threshold.
⚠️ Important: If you currently hold a Skilled Worker visa under this code, you may be able to extend under transitional provisions. Consult a regulated immigration adviser immediately before applying.
Visa Eligibility for Vehicle valeters and cleaners
To be sponsored as a Vehicle valeters and cleaners (SOC 9265) on a Skilled Worker visa, your employer must pay you whichever is HIGHER:
- AThe General Threshold: £41,700
- BThe Going Rate for this job: £19,200
Verdict: You must be paid at least £41,700 per year (assuming 37.5 hour week).
Can I be paid less?
New Entrant Discount
If you are under 26, a recent graduate, or in professional training, you can be paid 70% of the going rate.
New Minimum: £33,400
Immigration Salary List
This job is not on the shortage list, so no specific shortage discount applies unless you are a New Entrant.
Key Facts: Vehicle valeters and cleaners in the UK
The role of Vehicle valeters and cleaners (SOC code 9265) is classified as a Ineligible occupation at RQF 3 level under the UK's Standard Occupational Classification system. Although the going rate is £19,200, applicants must still meet the general threshold of £41,700 (whichever is higher).
This occupation is not currently on the Immigration Salary List, so the standard threshold of £41,700 or the going rate applies without discount.
As of January 2026, all new Skilled Worker visa applicants for this role must demonstrate B2 English language proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.5 or equivalent). The hourly rate equivalent for this going rate is approximately £9.85/hour based on a standard 37.5-hour week. Important: This SOC code was removed from Skilled Worker visa eligibility. Check current alternatives.
Disclaimer: This data is for guidance only. Home Office rules change frequently. Always verify specific requirements with a qualified immigration adviser.
Official Sources & Data
- • Going rate from: GOV.UK Appendix Skilled Occupations (effective 22 July 2025)
- • General threshold: £41,700 from GOV.UK Skilled Worker Visa
- • SOC classification: ONS SOC 2020
- • Last verified: February 2026 | Rule set effective from: 22 July 2025