United Kingdom
Chef Visa Route
Skilled Worker Visa
Sponsorship is available but hospitality employers with sponsor licences are fewer than in healthcare or tech.
Minimum Salary
£28,860
Processing Time
3–8 weeks
Path to PR
~5 years
Job Offer
Required
Language requirement:
B1 CEFR
Eligibility requirements
- 1Job offer from a UK-licensed sponsor restaurant or hospitality group at RQF Level 3+
- 2Minimum salary of £26,200 (going rate for qualified chefs) or higher for senior roles
- 3Culinary qualification at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (or demonstrable experience)
- 4English at B1 CEFR level
- 5No serious criminal convictions
- 6Note: Some entry-level chef roles fall below Skilled Worker salary thresholds
Document checklist
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Sponsorship
- Culinary qualification certificates
- References from previous employers
- English language evidence
- TB test certificate (if applicable)
- Bank statements or employer maintenance certification
Step-by-step process
- 1
Identify UK restaurant groups and hotels holding sponsor licences (check UKVI register)
- 2
Apply for chef roles at senior (sous chef, head chef) level — these meet salary thresholds
- 3
Receive job offer and Certificate of Sponsorship
- 4
Apply for Skilled Worker visa online and pay fees
- 5
Attend biometrics appointment
- 6
Arrive in the UK and begin employment
Official source
Always verify requirements directly with the official United Kingdom immigration authority.
Visit official pageSame role, other countries
Full comparison →For information only. Always verify with a regulated immigration adviser. Visa rules change frequently.