Do you want to work as a waiter or waitress in the United Kingdom? Many people from different countries have this dream. The UK has many jobs in hotels, restaurants, and pubs. But if you are not from the UK, you need a job that gives visa sponsorship.
In 2025, the UK has made new rules for work visas. These rules make it harder for normal waiter jobs to get sponsorship. But your dream is not finished. You just need to change your plan and search for better roles. This guide will show you the easy steps to find jobs with visa sponsorship in the UK.
The Big Picture: Why Visa Sponsorship is Now More Challenging
From July 22, 2025, the UK government changed the Skilled Worker visa system. The government now wants more workers with high skills and high pay.
Before, even lower-skill jobs (RQF Level 3) could get sponsorship. But now, only jobs with RQF Level 6 can qualify. This is the same as having a UK bachelor’s degree.
A normal waiter job is not at this level. So, it does not qualify anymore.
The salary rule also changed. The minimum pay must be £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for that job. Waiter jobs do not usually pay this much.
Does this mean you cannot go to the UK? No. It only means you must look for other jobs in hospitality that still qualify.
Your New Strategy: Aiming for Eligible Roles
Instead of only looking for waiter jobs, you should apply for higher jobs in restaurants and hotels. These jobs meet the new rules.
Target Managerial and Supervisory Roles
These jobs need more skill and pay better. They can be sponsored. Examples are:
- Restaurant Manager with visa sponsorship
- Head Waiter with visa sponsorship
- Hospitality Supervisor with visa sponsorship
- Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager with visa sponsorship
These jobs include managing staff, training workers, checking inventory, and controlling costs. They need leadership. That is why they meet Skilled Worker visa rules.
Consider Related Occupations on the Immigration Salary List (ISL)
The UK still has shortages in some jobs. These jobs are on the Immigration Salary List (ISL), earlier called the Shortage Occupation List.
One example is Chef jobs with visa sponsorship. The UK does not have enough chefs. So, many chef jobs are still on the ISL. If you know cooking, this is a very good option.
The ISL changes often. You must check the UK government website for the latest updates. Some ISL jobs have lower salary rules, but sometimes you cannot bring your family.
Find Licensed Sponsors
You cannot get a Skilled Worker visa without a licensed sponsor. The UK Home Office has a list of all licensed sponsors.
You can download this list and search by industry or city.
Tip: Big hotels, fine dining restaurants, and catering companies are more likely to sponsor than small restaurants.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Job Search to UK Arrival 🇬🇧
Here is a simple guide for you.
Research and Prepare
- Make your CV ready: Write in UK style. Show your skills in leadership, customer service, and management.
- Keep documents ready: Passport, references, certificates, and other papers.
Strategic Job Hunting
- Search with right keywords: Use words like “Restaurant Manager visa sponsorship” on LinkedIn, Indeed, or hotel job boards.
- Check company websites: Go to career pages of licensed sponsors. They sometimes have jobs for foreign workers.
Ace the Application and Interview
When you apply, mention in your cover letter that you want visa sponsorship. Show that you know about UK visa rules.
For interviews, be ready to talk about:
- How you work under pressure
- How you manage a team
- How you give great customer service
Employers want someone professional and reliable.
The Visa Process – After the Job Offer
If you get a job, the employer will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This is very important for your visa.
For the Skilled Worker visa in 2025, you must:
- Prove your English (at least B1 CEFR)
- Show you have enough money to live (unless your employer pays for you)
- Pay visa and health charges
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Is it possible to find a sponsored waiter job in the UK?
Normal waiter jobs do not qualify now. The best option is supervisor, manager, or chef jobs.
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What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
It is a list of jobs where the UK needs workers. Jobs on this list may have easier rules.
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What is the “Unskilled Worker visa UK”?
There is no visa called “Unskilled Worker visa.” The UK only allows skilled workers under the points-based system.
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Can I bring my family with a Skilled Worker visa?
Yes, if your job meets the Skilled Worker rules. But if it is from the ISL with low pay, you may not bring dependents.
Your Future Starts Now
The rules in 2025 are harder, but your dream can still come true. Aim for higher-level jobs like manager, supervisor, or chef. Apply only to licensed sponsors. Prepare your CV and documents.
If you stay focused and use the right plan, you can work in the UK hospitality sector. Don’t give up—change your strategy and make your dream real.