Are you a cook or chef who dreams of working in the United Kingdom? Many people around the world want to move to the UK for a job in the kitchen. For many years, cooks and chefs could get visa sponsorship. But in 2025, the UK government changed the rules. Now it is harder to get a visa for normal cook jobs.
Do not worry. This guide will explain the new rules in very simple words. You will learn:
- What has changed in 2025
- What jobs are still possible
- What salary you need
- How to find a sponsor employer
- How to make your CV and cover letter strong
- How to apply step by step
If you want a cooking career in the UK, you need to understand these new rules.
Understanding the New UK Visa Rules for Chefs (2025)
In July 2025, the UK made a big change in the Skilled Worker Visa. Before, you needed a skill level of RQF Level 3 (this is like high school with training). Now, the rule is RQF Level 6 (this is like a university degree level).
This means normal chef jobs are not good enough anymore. The official job code for chefs is SOC Code 5434. After July 22, 2025, this job code is no longer on the visa list.
So if you are applying for the first time, you cannot get a Skilled Worker Visa for a simple chef job.
What This Means for You
- If you are a new applicant: You cannot get a visa for a normal cook or chef job. Only higher-level jobs are possible.
- If you are already in the UK: If you got your Skilled Worker Visa before July 22, 2025, you can still stay and work. You can also change employers, but you must meet the new higher salary rules.
Your 2025 Strategy: Targeting the Right Roles
You must now think carefully about which jobs to apply for. Normal cook jobs will not work. You need to look for higher-level or special roles. These jobs are more likely to match the RQF Level 6 requirement and salary rule.
1. Focus on Higher-Level Job Titles
Instead of “cook,” use job titles like:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Chef de Partie
- Specialist Chef (for example: Thai Chef, Indian Chef, Pastry Chef)
- Kitchen Manager
- Culinary Professional
These jobs need more skills and responsibility. For example, a Head Chef makes menus, manages the team, and runs the kitchen. This is much more than just cooking food.
2. Search for the Right Employers and Locations
Not every restaurant or hotel can sponsor a visa. Only employers with a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office can do this.
Employers that may sponsor:
- Fine Dining Restaurants: These places need skilled chefs with special talent.
- Luxury Hotels and Chains: Big hotels like Hilton or Marriott often have a licence to sponsor.
- Specialist Restaurants: For example, Indian, Thai, or Chinese restaurants that need chefs with special food knowledge.
Best locations to search:
- London: The UK capital has the most fine dining and high-end kitchens.
- Other Cities: Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and other large cities also have many restaurants and hotels.
The New Salary & Visa Requirements (2025)
The government did not only raise the skill level. It also raised the salary needed for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The New Salary Thresholds
- General minimum salary: £41,700 per year (before it was £38,700).
- Going rate: Your pay must also match the “going rate” for the job. For example, a Head Chef usually earns enough, but a Chef de Partie may earn less, which could be a problem.
(Source: UK government rules, July 22, 2025)
The English Language Requirement
You must also show you can speak, read, write, and understand English at level B1.
You can prove this by:
- Passing an approved English test like IELTS for UKVI.
- Showing a degree taught in English.
This is required for every visa applicant.
Your Application: Making It Stand Out
When you apply for a job, your CV and cover letter are very important. You need to show that you are not just a basic cook. You are a skilled chef who matches the new rules.
Key Sections to Highlight on Your CV
Experience and Skills: Write clearly what you did in the kitchen. Do not just say “I cooked food.” Use action words and numbers.
Examples:
- “Managed a team of 5 kitchen staff” (shows leadership)
- “Started new food safety rules, cut food waste by 15%” (shows hygiene and cost control)
- “Created new seasonal menus, customer satisfaction up 20%” (shows creativity)
Certifications and Qualifications: Add your training. Examples:
- Culinary Arts Degree
- NVQ in Professional Cookery
- Food Safety Certificate
These show you have formal training, which is very important now.
The Cover Letter
In your cover letter, explain:
- Why you are the right person for the job
- Why the employer should sponsor you
- That you are applying for a visa sponsorship job
This is your chance to make the employer want to help you.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Visa Process
Here is the simple process for applying for a Skilled Worker Visa:
- Get an Eligible Job Offer: First, find a job with a sponsor employer. The job must meet salary and skill rules.
- Receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The employer gives you a special number. This is proof of your job offer.
- Gather Your Documents: You need passport, TB test, proof of English level, and maybe certificates.
- Pay Fees and Apply Online: You must pay the visa fee and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). The IHS allows you to use the UK National Health Service.
- Biometrics Appointment: Go to a visa center for your fingerprints and photo.
- Decision: Usually takes 3 weeks if you apply outside the UK.
FAQs: Your Quick Answers
-
Can a “cook” still get a visa in the UK?
No. Normal cook jobs are not on the list anymore. You need higher-level roles like Head Chef or Kitchen Manager.
-
How much must a chef earn to be sponsored?
At least £41,700 per year, or the “going rate” for the role.
-
What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
The ISL is a list of jobs that can be sponsored at lower salary. But most chef jobs are not on this list after 2025.
-
Can I apply from inside the UK?
Not if you are on a visitor visa. You must usually apply from outside the UK unless you already hold another visa.
Final Thoughts: The Path to Your UK Culinary Career
The rules in 2025 are harder, but your dream is still possible. The UK now wants skilled, experienced chefs, not just cooks.
To succeed, you must:
- Apply for senior chef roles, not entry-level cook jobs
- Gain more experience and training if needed
- Make your CV and cover letter professional
- Target employers who can sponsor you
If you do these things, you can still build a great cooking career in the UK. Start improving your skills today and search for the right jobs. With hard work, you can achieve your dream.