For many people around the world, getting a housekeeping job in the United Kingdom with visa sponsorship is a big dream. These jobs give a chance to live in the UK, earn money, and start a better life.
The UK is famous for its hotels and guesthouses. Cleaners and housekeepers help keep these places tidy and beautiful. But now, things have changed.
Big Changes in UK Immigration Rules – July 22, 2025
On July 22, 2025, the UK government made new immigration rules. These all rules make it harder for persons outside the United Kingdom to get a visa for housekeeping or cleaning duties. These changes affect the Skilled Duty Visa, which was the important way for foreign housekeeper workers to come to the United Kingdom for duty.
Let’s learn what’s different now.
What Has Changed for Housekeeping Jobs?
Higher Skill Level Needed (RQF Level 6)
The UK now asks for a higher education level for visa sponsorship. This level is called RQF Level 6, which means university degrees such as a bachelor’s, master’s or something similar.
But many housekeeping duties do not need a specific degree. These all duties are common listed under SOC Code 9232, and the United Kingdom govt says this code is for low-skilled duty. Because of this, housekeeping duties are not allowed for visa sponsorship now.
Even some cleaning supervisor jobs (SOC code 6240) also do not meet the new rule and are not approved for visa sponsorship.
Salary Requirement Is Now Very High
To get a best Worker Visa, a man now needs to earn at least £41,700 every year or £17.13 every hour.
But most housekeepers in the United Kingdom do not earn this much. Their salary is common much lower. Because of this, employers will not be able to sponsor visas for these all duties.
What Experts Say
Experts say that the UK government wants to bring in only highly skilled workers. They are trying to fill jobs that really need special knowledge or experience.
This means lower-skilled duties like housekeeping are not a priority anymore. This is a big change from before when many persons came to the United Kingdom for such duties.
Why Getting a Housekeeping Job with Sponsorship is Hard Now
Here are two big reasons why housekeeping jobs are no longer approved for sponsorship:
Job Does Not Match Skill Requirement
Housekeeping is simple work. It does not need a degree or special training. So, it does not meet the RQF Level 6 rule.
Salary Is Too Low
The new salary rule is too high for most housekeeping jobs. So even if an employer wants to sponsor someone, the pay is not enough to meet the visa requirement.
Because of these reasons, you cannot apply for a Skilled Worker Visa for a housekeeping job after July 22, 2025.
What Can You Do If You Still Want to Work in UK Hospitality?
Don’t lose hope. There are still some ways to work in the UK hospitality industry, but you need to aim for higher-skilled jobs. These jobs have better pay and meet visa rules.
Here are some options you can think about:
Housekeeping Manager Job (With Sponsorship)
If you have experience in managing staff or have done some training, you can apply to be a housekeeping manager. This job requires more skill, and the pay is higher. It may be allowed for visa sponsorship.
Hotel Manager
A hotel manager runs the whole restaurant. This duty needs leadership skills. If you have a degree or a lot of experience, this job may be open for sponsorship.
Facilities Manager
This person manages cleaning, repairs, and other services in large buildings. This duty often meets the skill and salary packages rules.
Chef Jobs
Many chef duties, like Head Chef or Sous Chef, are still allowed under the latest rules. These all duties need special skills and training and offer best payment.
What About the Temporary Shortage List?
Some duties that are in short supply in the United Kingdom are added to a special list called the Temporary Shortage paper.
But housekeeping jobs are not on this list. So, they still don’t qualify for visa sponsorship. Even if a job is on this list, the visa is only for a short time, and you usually cannot bring your family.
Important Tips for People Wanting to Work in UK
Do Your Research
Always check if a job is approved for sponsorship. Check if the employer has a Sponsor Licence. Use only official United Kingdom govt sites for this info.
Learn Latest Skills
If you want to duty in the United Kingdom, think about getting more education or work experience. For example:
- Get a hospitality management degrees
- Take a professional cleaning course
- Duty as a supervisor or manager in your home country
This will help you qualify for correct duties in the United Kingdom.
Be Careful of Scams
Some people or agencies might tell you they can get you a visa-sponsored housekeeping job in the UK. Be careful!
Ask questions:
- What SOC code is the job listed under?
- How will they meet the RQF Level 6 and salary rule?
If they can’t answer, it’s probably a scam.
Other Visa Options (Very Limited)
Some people may come to the UK through:
- Youth Mobility Visa (only for certain countries and age groups)
- Dependent Visa (if your family member already works legally in the UK)
But these options are not available to everyone, and they do not help you get a housekeeping job directly.
FAQ – Common Questions
Can I still get a visa-sponsored housekeeping job in the UK?
No. As of July 22, 2025, these jobs do not meet the new visa rules.
What is the new salary rule for a UK Skilled Worker visa?
You must earn at least £41,700 per year, or £17.13 per hour, whichever is higher.
Are housekeeping jobs on the UK shortage list?
No. Housekeeping and cleaning jobs are not included.
What if someone says they can sponsor me for housekeeping?
Ask for full details. Check how they plan to meet the visa rules. If it sounds unclear, it is probably not true.
Final Thoughts – A New Direction for UK Job Seekers
Getting a housekeeping job in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2025 is now almost impossible. But don’t give up.
The UK still needs skilled workers in hospitality. If you build your skills, aim for manager or supervisor roles, and stay informed, you can still find chances to work and live in the UK.
Be smart, stay safe, and keep improving your career. That is the best way forward.