Have you ever dreamed of working in a busy London restaurant or a small pub in the countryside? The UK has always been a popular place for people who want to work in hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Many people from other countries used to come and work as waiters in the UK because the hospitality sector was always hiring.
But from 2025, the UK government has changed the visa rules. These new rules have made it much harder for people to get jobs as waiters with visa sponsorship. Before, waiter jobs were open for international workers under sponsorship visas, but now most of them are closed.
This guide will help you understand:
- What has changed in 2025.
- Why waiter jobs are not sponsored anymore.
- Which jobs are still open.
- What other visa options you can try.
- How to plan your career in the UK.
A Pivotal Shift: What Changed in 2025?
In July 2025, the UK made big changes in its Skilled Worker visa route. The most important change is the increase in the skill level needed for a job to get sponsorship.
Before, waiter jobs could qualify at a lower skill level. But now, the UK government says that only jobs at RQF Level 6 or higher can get sponsorship. RQF Level 6 means you need to have the same skill as someone with a graduate degree.
This change means most waiter jobs no longer qualify for sponsorship. Even if the restaurant offers you a good salary, you cannot get a Skilled Worker visa for a simple waiter role anymore.
This is very hard news for many people. But it is important to know the truth before you plan your job in the UK.
A Tough Pill to Swallow: The End of Sponsorship for Most Waiter Roles
The government now calls waiter jobs “lower-skilled” roles. Because of this, they are no longer eligible for visas. So if you are planning to apply for a new waiter job in the UK under Skilled Worker sponsorship, it will not work.
Even if you have good experience or your employer is ready to support you, the law has changed, and waiter roles are simply not allowed anymore.
Understanding the New Rules: A Breakdown of the RQF Level 6 Requirement
The RQF Level 6 requirement is the key reason why things changed. This rule means that only jobs which need a degree-level qualification can be sponsored.
For example, high-level managers, doctors, engineers, and IT professionals still qualify. But waiter jobs do not require this high level of education, so they are cut out.
This change has also affected other hospitality jobs. For example:
- Chefs (even very skilled chefs) are no longer eligible.
- Catering managers are not eligible either.
- Many jobs in restaurants and hotels are removed from the list.
The UK wants to bring only people they consider “highly skilled.” That is why most hospitality workers from outside the UK cannot apply now.
Is There a Silver Lining? Transitional Arrangements and Limited Exceptions
The new law is strict, but there are a few exceptions. If you already have a Skilled Worker visa in a hospitality role (like chef) before July 2025, you might still be able to extend it or change employer under the old rules.
But for new applications, especially waiter jobs, there is almost no chance. That is why new applicants must look at other routes if they still want to work in the UK.
High-Skilled Hospitality: The Roles That Still Qualify for Sponsorship
Even though waiter jobs are closed, a few jobs in hospitality still qualify for visas. These are usually higher-level management roles that require more skills and education.
For example:
- Hotel managers.
- Restaurant general managers.
- Specialized hospitality professionals.
But note: Even “chef” has been removed from the eligible list. So only very limited jobs are available for sponsorship now. The UK clearly wants only very specific skilled workers in hospitality.
The Salary Reality: Meeting the New Minimum Thresholds
Another big change is about salary.
To qualify for a Skilled Worker visa in 2025, you must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for that job (whichever is higher).
This is very high for hospitality jobs. Most waiter or restaurant jobs pay much less than this. That means even if the job qualifies, it may not pay enough to meet the requirement.
For example:
- Average waiter salary in London: around £20,000 to £25,000 per year.
- New visa requirement: £41,700 per year minimum.
This gap makes it almost impossible for waiters to apply under this visa.
Your Other Options: Alternative Visa Routes That Don’t Require Sponsorship
If sponsorship is no longer possible for waiter jobs, don’t lose hope. There are still other visa options that allow you to work in the UK.
The Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)
This visa allows young people to live and work in the UK for 2 years without needing sponsorship. It is a cultural exchange visa.
- Age requirement: 18–30 (or 18–35 for some countries).
- You must have at least £2,530 savings in your bank.
- It is not a permanent visa but gives you a chance to gain UK work experience.
This is a very good option if you are young and want to try hospitality work in the UK.
Building Your Application Strategy: A Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Now the market has changed, so you must also change your strategy.
Finding the Unicorn: Sponsoring Employers in a Shifting Market
It is very hard to find employers who sponsor waiter roles now. But you can still look for higher-level jobs that qualify.
How to search:
- Use online job portals.
- Check official UK government websites for eligible jobs.
- Focus on big hotels and restaurants that might hire managers.
Life on a Plate: UK Salaries vs. Cost of Living
Even if you find a sponsored job, remember that living in the UK is expensive.
- Average rent in London: about £1,500 per month (2025 data).
- Food, transport, and bills also cost a lot.
So even a salary that looks high may not be enough. You must plan your budget carefully before moving.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Your Dream to Work in the UK Hospitality Sector
The UK visa rules for waiter jobs have changed completely. It is now almost impossible to get a sponsored visa as a waiter. But this does not mean your dream must end.
You can:
- Look for alternative visas like Youth Mobility Scheme.
- Apply for higher-level hospitality jobs that still qualify.
- Plan your budget carefully to handle UK living costs.
- Keep your skills strong and flexible.
Working in the UK hospitality industry is still possible, but you must be realistic and ready to adapt. The path may be harder, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can still reach your goal.