SOC code 3542: Importers and exporters
You cannot sponsor a new worker in SOC code 3542 (Importers and exporters): it is below degree level and has been closed to new Skilled Worker hires since 22 July 2025. It stays open to people who already held Skilled Worker permission in this code before that date.
- New hire on a Skilled Worker visaNoclosed to new hires since 22 July 2025
- Already sponsored before thenYesextensions and job changes in this code
- Going rate£35,700a year on 37.5 hours; £33,400 new entrant rate
- Skill levelRQF 3 to 5below degree level
Figures from Appendix Skilled Occupations, Immigration Rules.
Who you can sponsor in SOC code 3542
The appendix marks this code "Transitional cases only": workers with Skilled Worker permission from before 22 July 2025. In practice that means a worker who was already on a Skilled Worker visa in this job can extend it, or move to your business in the same code, and you can sponsor them.
The appendix still publishes a going rate for the code, £35,700 a year, because those workers must be paid at least that. Which general salary floor applies to them depends on when they were first sponsored, so check the worker's history before you assign a certificate.
For a new hire from abroad, look for a degree-level code that truly fits the duties in the SOC codes table. Choosing a code the job does not match can cost you the licence.
SOC code 3542 in the official tables
| As published | Transitional cases only: Workers with Skilled Worker permission from before 22 July 2025 |
|---|---|
| Skill level | RQF 3 to 5 |
| Going rate | £35,700 a year (37.5 hours a week) |
| New entrant rate (70%) | £33,400 |
| Immigration salary list | Not listed |
| Temporary shortage list | Not listed |
| Health and Care Worker visa | No |
Job titles in SOC code 3542
- Importers and exporters
The duties decide the code, not the title alone. When a title could fit two codes, the CASCOT coding tool helps you pick.
Codes close to this one
- 3533Financial and accounting technicians£48,700 going rate
- 3534Financial accounts managers£44,700 going rate
- 3541Estimators, valuers and assessors£35,300 going rate
- 3543Project support officers£33,900 going rate
- 3544Data analysts£34,900 going rate
- 3549Business associate professionals not elsewhere classified£33,400 going rate
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