Do you dream about moving to the UK? Many people want to work in restaurants or hotels in the UK. A waiter or waitress job looks like a good start. You meet people, you earn money, and you learn skills.
But in 2025, the UK government changed the rules. These new rules make it very hard to get a waiter job with visa sponsorship.
This guide will explain the new rules in simple words. We will tell you which jobs are possible, how to apply for a visa, and what you need to know before you make plans.
The New Reality: Why Waiter Jobs Are No Longer on the Skilled Worker Visa List
From July 22, 2025, the UK Home Office changed the Skilled Worker visa system. The main reason is that the UK wants fewer low-skill jobs and more high-skill jobs.
The skill level needed for sponsorship is now higher. Before, jobs at RQF Level 3 could get sponsorship. This is like A-levels. Now only jobs at RQF Level 6 or higher can qualify. This is like a university degree.
Waiter and waitress jobs are not RQF Level 6. They are seen as lower-skill jobs. That means they are not on the visa list anymore. Employers cannot sponsor waiters under the new rules.
The Role of the UK Home Office and a Licensed Sponsor
If you want to work in the UK with a Skilled Worker visa, you need a job from an employer with a sponsor licence.
- The UK Home Office gives this licence to some companies.
- These companies can hire workers from other countries.
- They must show that the job is real and meets the rules.
If they give you a job, they must also give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is a digital code. You need this code to apply for your visa. Without it, your visa will be refused.
The New Salary Thresholds and the “Going Rate”
From 2025, you must earn at least £41,700 per year to get a Skilled Worker visa. Sometimes, the rule is “the going rate” for the job. That means the normal pay for that type of work in the UK. You must earn whichever is higher.
Waiter and waitress jobs do not pay this much. The salary is too low. This is why waiter jobs cannot get sponsorship now.
Be careful when you look at job ads. Some may say they offer sponsorship for waiters, but that is not true. Always check the UK government website to see if the job is real and the employer is licensed.
Finding a Visa-Sponsored Job in UK Hospitality: The Eligible Roles
Even though waiter jobs are not possible, some jobs in the hospitality sector still qualify for sponsorship. These are jobs with higher skills and better pay.
- Restaurant and Catering Manager
- This is a senior job.
- You will manage staff, money, and service in a restaurant.
- It needs more experience.
- It pays more and is RQF Level 6, so it can get sponsorship.
- Chef
- Not all chefs qualify.
- Head chefs and executive chefs may qualify.
- Junior chefs, commis chefs, or kitchen assistants do not.
- To qualify, the chef job must pay enough and be skilled.
- Other Special Jobs
- Some rare jobs in hospitality may qualify.
- These are usually management or jobs with very special skills.
Navigating the Visa Application: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you find an eligible job and get a Certificate of Sponsorship, you can apply for the Skilled Worker visa. Follow these steps:
- Check Visa Rules
- You must show you can speak English.
- Usually, B1 level or higher is needed.
- You can take a government-approved test.
- Prepare Your Papers
- Passport.
- Certificate of Sponsorship number.
- Proof of English test.
- Bank statement to show you have enough money to live.
- Pay the Fees
- Visa fee.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). This gives you access to the UK health service (NHS).
- Apply Online
- Go to the UK government website.
- Fill in the form.
- Check everything before you submit.
- Give Biometrics
- Book an appointment.
- Give your fingerprints and photo at the visa center.
Important: Always use the UK government website. Other sites may give wrong or old information.
What about the Immigration Salary List?
The UK now uses the Immigration Salary List (ISL). It replaced the Shortage Occupation List.
Some jobs on the ISL can get sponsorship with a lower salary. But waiter and waitress jobs are not on this list. Only high-skill jobs in hospitality may qualify.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
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Can I still work as a waiter in the UK without a visa?
Q: Can I still work as a waiter in the UK without a visa?
A: Yes, if you already have the right to work. For example:
You are a UK citizen.
You have settled or pre-settled EU status.
You hold another type of visa, like the Youth Mobility visa. -
What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?
A CoS is a digital code from your employer. You need it for your Skilled Worker visa application.
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Why can managers get sponsorship but not waiters?
Managers are seen as skilled workers (RQF Level 6). They earn more money. Waiters are seen as low-skill workers. They earn less.
Conclusion: Plan Your UK Career Wisely 🇬🇧
In 2025, it is no longer possible to get a waiter job in the UK with visa sponsorship. The new immigration rules are strict. They only allow jobs that are high-skill and high-salary.
If you want to work in UK hospitality, you must look at jobs like restaurant manager or senior chef. These jobs still qualify.
Learn the rules, prepare your documents, and aim for higher-level jobs. This way, you have a better chance to start your new life in the UK.
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Author Bio
Shoaib Khan is an expert in UK visas and jobs. He has more than 10 years of experience. He helps people understand the rules and plan their careers. His goal is to give clear and simple advice so people can follow their dreams in the UK.