Many people from different countries look for work in the UK kitchens because the hospitality sector needs reliable staff. Roles like kitchen assistants, helpers, porters, or basic cooks sometimes come with visa sponsorship from employers. This means the company helps with the visa process so you can work legally.
The UK uses the Skilled Worker visa for most sponsored jobs. Employers must hold a sponsor licence from the Home Office to offer this. They issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) if they choose you.
Important Update on Rules
From July 22, 2025, the UK raised the skill level for new Skilled Worker visa applications. Jobs now need to meet RQF Level 6 or higher in most cases. This change removed many hospitality roles, including standard chef positions, cooks, and kitchen assistants from the main eligible list for new applicants from outside the UK.
Basic kitchen staff roles like kitchen porter, catering assistant, or helper no longer qualify under the standard Skilled Worker route for fresh entry clearance. Transitional rules let some people already on the visa extend or switch, but new overseas workers face limits.
No hospitality or kitchen roles appear on the current Temporary Shortage List or Immigration Salary List for lower-skilled positions. This makes sponsorship harder for entry-level kitchen work.
Types of Kitchen Roles You Might See Advertised
Even with stricter rules, some employers list kitchen jobs and mention visa sponsorship. Common positions include:
- Kitchen Assistant or Helper: Clean surfaces, wash dishes, prepare simple ingredients.
- Kitchen Porter: Keep the kitchen clean, move stock, support the team.
- Catering Assistant: Help in care homes, schools, or events with food service.
- Line Cook or Commis Chef (entry level): Assist senior chefs, follow basic recipes.
These roles often appear on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or company pages. Salaries usually start around £10 to £14 per hour, or £20,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on location and hours. Some offer £11.50 or more for shifts.
What Employers Offer with Sponsorship
Licensed sponsors in restaurants, hotels, or care settings sometimes provide:
- Help with visa paperwork and application.
- Support for relocation, like airport pickup in certain cases.
- Benefits such as free or discounted meals, on-site parking, staff accommodation (rare but possible), employee discounts.
Many jobs require basic food hygiene knowledge or willingness to learn it. Experience helps but is not always needed for starter roles.
Here is a simple table of typical kitchen roles and key details:
| Role | Main Duties | Typical Pay (per hour) | Visa Sponsorship Chance (Current Rules) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Porter | Cleaning, waste removal, stock help | £10 – £13 | Low for new applicants |
| Kitchen Assistant | Prep ingredients, assist cooks | £10 – £14 | Low for new applicants |
| Catering Assistant | Serve food, maintain hygiene | £10 – £20 | Low, some care sector cases |
| Commis Chef | Basic cooking under supervision | £11 – £15 | Low, higher experience needed |
Pay can vary by city—London often pays more. Full-time roles usually give 35–40 hours per week.
How to Find These Jobs
Search on trusted sites:
- Indeed UK (use keywords like “kitchen visa sponsorship”).
- Find a Job (government site).
- LinkedIn (follow hospitality companies).
- Company websites for hotels or restaurant chains.
Apply directly and ask about sponsorship early. Check if the employer has a sponsor licence on the GOV.UK register.
Requirements You Need to Meet
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.
- Meet English language rules (basic level for many roles).
- Show enough savings (usually £1,270) for support.
- Pass health checks if required.
The visa process costs money for application fees, healthcare surcharge, and more. The employer covers some parts but not all.
Tips for Applying
Prepare a simple CV that lists any kitchen or cleaning experience. Mention willingness to learn food safety. Be honest about your current location and visa needs.
The hospitality field stays busy, but rules focus on higher-skilled roles now. For basic kitchen work, options are fewer than before.
FAQs
Can kitchen assistants get visa sponsorship in the UK now?
Basic kitchen assistant roles no longer qualify for new Skilled Worker visas from overseas due to the 2025 skill threshold changes, though some employers may help in special cases.
What salary do sponsored kitchen jobs pay?
Most start at £10–£14 per hour, with full-time work giving £20,000–£28,000 yearly before tax, plus possible tips or meals.
Where can I check if a job offers real visa sponsorship?
Look for licensed sponsors on the official GOV.UK sponsor register and confirm details directly with the employer before applying.
