The UK needs many workers in logistics and warehouses right now. Online shopping is growing very fast, so companies need more people to move and store goods. If you are from another country and want Warehouse Staff Jobs UK for Foreigners with visa sponsorship, this is a good area to look at. Many companies are hiring.
But in 2025, the UK changed the visa rules a lot. It is now harder to get a work visa for simple warehouse jobs. This guide explains the new rules in very simple words. We talk about which logistics jobs can still get a Skilled Worker Visa UK and what salary you need.
Do Warehouse Jobs Still Qualify for a UK Visa in 2025?
No, most simple warehouse jobs do not qualify anymore.
In 2025, the government said new visa applicants need a job at RQF Level 6. This means the job must need university-level skills or similar experience. Old rules accepted RQF Level 3 (school-level), but not now.
Normal jobs like picker, packer, or basic warehouse operative usually do not reach Level 6, so they cannot get visa sponsorship.
The Skilled Logistics Jobs UK That Qualify
Only some special jobs in logistics can get the visa. These jobs need more skills or responsibility.
Here are the main jobs that can qualify:
- Logistics Management Roles (SOC code 1243 or similar)
- Warehouse Supervisor Jobs UK
- Warehouse Shift Leader
- Transport Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Director in warehousing or transport
- Specialist Operator Roles (some SOC codes in 8000 series)
- Forklift Driver + extra duties (for example: you also control stock using computer system, or you work with robots and automatic machines)
- Warehouse Technician who fixes machines or runs advanced systems
Big companies like Amazon, DHL, Tesco, and many 3PL (third-party logistics) companies need these skilled people the most.
The Critical UK Visa Salary Threshold 2025 Update
To get the visa, your salary must be high. You need the HIGHER of these two numbers:
- General minimum = £41,700 per year
- Going rate for your exact job code
Example: Job = Managers in logistics (SOC 1243) Going rate = around £44,900 or more
So you need at least £44,900 for this job.
Always check the exact going rate on the official GOV.UK website because numbers change every year.
The Skilled Worker Visa UK Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
The company must help you. You cannot apply alone.
Get a Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- First find a company that has a Sponsor Licence from the UK government.
- The company offers you the job and checks that the job and salary follow the rules.
- They give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). It is an electronic number, not paper.
- If you are outside the UK, it must be a “Defined CoS”.
This is the hardest step. Without CoS you cannot apply.
Prepare Your Documents
You need:
- CoS reference number
- Passport (valid)
- English language proof (B1 level) – you can do a simple test or use a degree taught in English
- Bank statements to show you have £1,270 saved (for 28 days) OR the company says they will pay your costs in the first month
- TB test result (if your country is on the list)
Pay Fees and Submit the Application
- Apply online on GOV.UK website
- Pay visa fee (around £625–£1,400 depending on years)
- Pay Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) – this gives you free NHS healthcare, about £1,035 per year
- Go to a visa centre for fingerprints and photo (biometrics)
You must apply within 3 months after you get the CoS number.
Top Regions for Warehouse Staff Jobs UK
Some areas in the UK have many big warehouses and more companies that sponsor visas.
| Region | Main Activity | Best Cities/Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Midlands | E-commerce & national delivery | Leicester, Northampton, Coventry, Derby |
| South East | Ports and retail | Near London, Southampton, Felixstowe |
| North West | Manufacturing & freight | Manchester, Liverpool, Warrington |
Best tip: Look for jobs in the Midlands (called the “Golden Logistics Triangle”). Almost 90% of UK people live within 4 hours drive. Amazon, DHL, and many big companies have huge warehouses here and often sponsor workers.
Conclusion: Securing Your UK Future
The new 2025 rules made it harder for basic warehouse jobs, but good news: supervisory jobs, manager jobs, and some specialist technician jobs still qualify easily because they are RQF Level 6 and pay good salary.
Focus on these jobs:
- Warehouse Supervisor
- Shift Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Specialist Forklift / Inventory Controller with computer systems
Search on Indeed, Reed, LinkedIn, and company career pages. Always check that the company has a valid sponsor licence on the official government list.
With the right job offer and correct documents, many people from other countries still move to the UK every month for logistics work.
Would you like me to give you names of big UK logistics companies that have active sponsor licence in 2025?
Disclaimer:
This information is correct for late 2025 but UK immigration rules change often. Always check the latest rules on GOV.UK or speak with a qualified immigration advisor before you apply. Good luck with your UK job search