SOC 2020 code 5434
5434: Chefs
The Home Office's example job titles for this code: • Chefs.
Read from GOV.UK on 24 October 2026, a page the Home Office last updated on 8 October 2026.
United Kingdom
Where this code sits in Appendix Skilled Occupations
Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025
| Going rate (SW – options A and D) | £33,400(£17.13 per hour) |
|---|---|
| 90% of going rate (SW – option B) | Not applicable |
| 80% of going rate (SW – option C) | Not applicable |
| 70% of going rate (SW – option E) | £33,400(£17.13 per hour) |
| Eligible for PhD points (SW)? | No |
Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025
| Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s) | 5434 |
|---|---|
| Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU) | £25,000(£12.82 per hour) |
| 90% of going rate (SW – option G) | Not applicable |
| 80% of going rate (SW – option H) | Not applicable |
| 70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR) | £25,000(£12.82 per hour) |
| Eligible for PhD points (SW)? | No |
Each box is one table on GOV.UK's Appendix Skilled Occupations, with the Home Office's own heading for it and this row's figures as published. The heading says what the table is for; the rules on who can use which table are in Appendix Skilled Worker.
Ireland
The same code on the Irish lists
Ireland's lists use the earlier SOC 2010 numbering. For most trades the code is the same in both; where it is not, use the Irish permit check and type the job instead.
Occupation code 5434, Chefs.
On the Ineligible Occupations List, with exceptions
DETE's wording for this row:
5434 Chefs
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
From DETE's Ineligible Occupations List.
DETE makes exceptions to this row. If the role or the candidate fits one of them, it is not ineligible.
DETE: "Ineligible occupations are those with evidence suggesting there are sufficient Irish and EEA workers to fill such vacancies. Employment permits are not granted for these occupations."
Checked against DETE's lists, last downloaded 25 October 2026. The occupation code is our reading of the job title. Not sure it fits? A member of our team will get back to you.
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