The United Kingdom is very famous for food. You can seek small pubs in the countryside and big Michelin-star restaurants in UK. Many persons from around the world need to duty as cooks or chefs in the United Kingdom. But for people outside the UK, the visa methods can feel very hard and confusing.
The best and latest news is the United Kingdom needs skilled kitchen helpers. The govt allows restaurants and hotels to bring in foreign cooks and chefs helpers. This guide will show you, in simple steps, how to get a cook job in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025.
(Image Suggestion: A chef smiling and cooking in a clean, modern kitchen. The picture should look nice on a phone.)
The Key Ingredient: Understanding the UK’s Visa System
The important visa for foreign helpers is called the Skilled Helpers visa. This visa lets you live and duty in the United Kingdom if you have the good duty offer. To get this visa, there are some important rules:
- Employer Sponsorship: The industry must have a license from the United Kingdom Home Office. Only licensed employers can sponsor helpers.
- Eligible Job: The duty must be on the list of approved duty. Each duty has a number called an SOC code.
- Salary Requirement: You must earn at least the minimum salary or the “going rate” for that job.
For chefs, the job code is 5434 – Chefs. This job is still on the visa list in 2025. But in July 2025, some low-skill cook jobs were removed. So, you must apply for jobs with the title chef, not just “cook.”
From “Cook” to “Chef”: Why Job Titles Matter
In everyday life, “cook” and “chef” may sound the same. But in the visa system, they are different. A chef has more training and responsibility. A cook is often seen as a lower skill job.
Here are the chef job titles you should use:
- Commis Chef – beginner chef with training
- Chef de Partie – chef in charge of one kitchen area, like pastry or grill
- Sous Chef – second-in-command in the kitchen
- Head Chef / Executive Chef – the top chef in the kitchen
These jobs are linked to SOC 5434 and are accepted for sponsorship. Always use the word chef in your applications.
2025 Immigration Updates: What to Know Right Now
The UK has changed some visa rules in 2025. Here are the important points:
- Higher Salaries: The minimum salary is now £41,700 per year, or the going rate for chefs if higher.
- Immigration Salary List (ISL): This is a list of jobs with lower salary rules. Chefs are not on this list right now.
- Dependents Rule: Since July 2025, some lower-level jobs cannot bring family members. Chefs are usually safe, but rules may change again.
(Video Suggestion: A short video that shows the difference between a normal Skilled Worker visa and a Chef visa.)
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Landing a Sponsored Job
Getting a cook job with sponsorship in the UK takes planning. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Find the Right Employers
Not all employers can sponsor. Only licensed ones can.
- Visit the GOV.UK website and download the sponsor list.
- Filter the list by “Accommodation and Food Service.”
- Look for cities like London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. These places hire many chefs.
In 2025, more than 5,000 UK employers in hospitality have a sponsor licence.
Step 2: Write a Strong Application
Your CV and cover letter are very important.
- CV: Write about your training, skills, and kitchen experience. Mention cuisines you know, like Italian, Indian, or Chinese.
- Cover Letter: Keep it short but clear. Show your love for cooking. Say you are looking for a job with visa sponsorship and a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
Step 3: Get Ready for Interview and Visa
If you are chosen, you may have to do a test or trial cooking shift.
- Skills Test: The employer may ask you to cook to prove your skill.
- Visa Process: If they want to hire you, they give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). You use this to apply for the Skilled Worker visa.
Other visa requirements:
- English test (at least B1 level)
- Savings of at least £1,270 in your bank account
FAQs: Answering Your Most Pressing Questions
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Can I get sponsorship if I am a junior cook?
Yes. It is harder, but possible. Senior roles like Sous Chef are more common. But jobs like Commis Chef also work if you have some training and experience.
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What salary do I need?
The Home Office sets a minimum “going rate” for chefs. For SOC 5434, you must earn at least that rate. The amount depends on the job level and location.
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What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
This is a list of jobs that allow lower salaries. Chefs are not on it right now, but it may change in the future.
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Can I work in catering with sponsorship?
Yes. Jobs in schools, hospitals, and care homes often need chefs. These jobs may give you more stable hours than restaurants.
Unique Insights to Beat the Competition
Here are ways to improve your chances:
- Special Skills: Chefs with skills in Asian, Halal, or Vegan cooking are in high demand.
- Special Job Sites: Try Caterer.com, Jobs.nhs.uk, or cooking job agencies. They often list sponsored jobs.
- Networking: Use LinkedIn to connect with UK chefs. Write “Chef jobs UK visa sponsorship” in your profile. Recruiters may find you.
Conclusion: Your UK Culinary Journey Awaits
Working as a chef in the UK is possible if you plan carefully. The Skilled Worker visa has clear rules. To succeed, remember:
- Use correct chef job titles (Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef).
- Apply only to licensed sponsors.
- Make a strong CV and prepare for interviews.
The UK food industry values skill and passion. If you love cooking and follow the right steps, you can make your dream come true in 2025.
Are you ready to start? Share this guide with a friend, leave your questions in the comments, and subscribe for more job and visa updates.
Author Bio:
This article was written by immigration and chef job experts. The information is based on UK Home Office updates for 2025. Our goal is to help cooks and chefs find real jobs in the UK.