The UK has changed its immigration rules. Now, it wants people with high skills and high salaries.
From July 22, 2025, the Skilled Worker visa needs a skill level called RQF Level 6, like a UK bachelor’s degree.
A normal dishwasher job is low skill. This means dishwasher jobs cannot get a Skilled Worker visa.
Also, the minimum salary for visa sponsorship is now £41,700 per year. A dishwasher job pays much less than this.
If you search online for dishwasher jobs UK visa sponsorship, you may see results, but they are not real. You should look for jobs that really can give sponsorship.
Your New Strategy: Finding Alternative Roles with Sponsorship
Instead of looking for a dishwasher job, you should look for other jobs in hotels and restaurants.
These jobs need higher skills. You may need to learn new skills, but this is the only way to get a visa.
Kitchen Porter & Kitchen Assistant Roles
A kitchen porter or kitchen assistant is a little better than a dishwasher. These jobs are easy to start but have more tasks:
- Help chefs with food prep, like cutting vegetables or putting food on plates.
- Receive and store deliveries.
- Keep the kitchen clean, not just wash dishes.
Some big hotels may sponsor these roles. Some may have higher skill codes for visa purposes.
Search for jobs like:
- Kitchen porter jobs UK visa sponsorship
- Kitchen assistant jobs UK sponsorship
These jobs are better than dishwasher jobs for getting a visa.
The Most Viable Path: Chef and Culinary Positions
If you know cooking or want to learn, the best chance is a chef job with sponsorship.
- The UK has a shortage of chefs.
- Many chef jobs are on the Immigration Salary List (ISL).
- Jobs on this list can have lower salary rules for visa.
Becoming a chef is the most real way to work in UK hotels or restaurants with a visa.
Navigating the Application and Visa Process
Once you find a good job, you need to follow visa rules carefully.
The Power of a Great CV
A CV is very important. Even if you worked as a dishwasher before, you can show transferable skills:
- Work fast and well in a busy kitchen.
- Keep high cleanliness and hygiene.
- Work well with chefs and other staff.
For kitchen porter or assistant jobs, show any food prep or kitchen experience.
A strong CV helps you get a job and sponsorship.
Finding a Licensed Sponsor
You cannot get a visa without a job from a licensed sponsor.
- The UK Home Office keeps a list of all licensed sponsors.
- Look for big hotels, restaurant chains, and catering companies that sponsor workers.
Getting a licensed sponsor is the most important step.
Important Immigration Concepts to Understand
The Myth of the “Unskilled Worker Visa UK”
Some people search for unskilled worker visa UK. This is wrong.
- The UK wants skilled workers only.
- Most people can only use the Skilled Worker visa.
- You need high skill and salary for this visa.
Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
If a licensed sponsor gives you a job offer, they will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
- This is a unique number.
- You need it to apply for a visa.
- It shows you have a real job offer from a company that can sponsor you.
UK Visa Requirements 2025
To get a Skilled Worker visa 2025, you need:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of English language ability.
- Money to support yourself, unless your employer provides it.
- A job from a licensed sponsor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a hotel sponsor me for a dishwasher job in London?
Very unlikely. Dishwasher jobs cannot get Skilled Worker visa. Look for a higher-level job, like chef.
What is the Immigration Salary List (ISL)?
ISL is a list of jobs in shortage in the UK. Jobs on this list can have lower salary rules. Dishwashers are not on this list.
Are there temporary work visas for low-skilled jobs?
Some temporary visas exist for seasonal work, like farming.
They are not for hotels or restaurants.
They are very limited and do not lead to long-term settlement.
Your Path Forward: From Dishwasher to Dream Job
Looking for a dishwasher job in UK with visa sponsorship may seem impossible, but it can be your first step.
To succeed:
- Learn new skills. Try kitchen porter, kitchen assistant, or chef jobs.
- Apply only to licensed sponsors. This is required.
- Build a strong CV with kitchen and teamwork experience.
- Focus on jobs that meet skill and salary rules.
By doing this, you can turn your dream of working in the UK into reality. Stop looking for jobs that cannot sponsor visas and prepare for jobs that can.
Even though the UK is strict, if you upgrade your skills and aim for higher-level hospitality jobs, you have a real chance to get a sponsored job and build a good career.