The UK’s logistics and warehousing sector is a powerhouse, constantly seeking skilled individuals to manage complex supply chains. For many international job seekers, securing a position as a Warehouse Operative or Logistics Assistant with a UK Visa Sponsorship is the dream. However, recent immigration changes in 2024/2025 have dramatically shifted the landscape, making the process highly specific and challenging for entry-level Warehouse Staff Vacancies UK.
This in-depth guide provides the clear, data-backed truth on how the UK Work Visa Process for Warehouse Staff works now, focusing on the higher-skilled roles that genuinely qualify.
The New Reality: Why General Warehouse Roles Are Now Excluded
If you want a warehouse job in the UK with visa sponsorship, you must first understand the new rules. Most normal warehouse jobs can no longer get sponsorship.
The RQF Level 6 Skill Requirement
From 2024/2025, the UK government says that any job that wants to sponsor a worker from outside the UK must be at RQF Level 6 or higher. RQF Level 6 is the same level as a university degree. Old jobs like picker-packer, order picker, or normal manual handling jobs were only RQF Level 3 or lower. Because of this new rule, these jobs are now NOT eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship.
The £41,700 Minimum Salary Threshold
From 22 July 2025, the minimum salary for most Skilled Worker Visas became much higher.
You need to earn the HIGHER of these two amounts:
- £41,700 per year, OR
- The “going rate” for that exact job (set by the government)
You also have a minimum hourly rate of £17.13.
Normal warehouse workers in the UK usually earn only £12–£14 per hour. That is about £25,000–£29,000 per year for full-time work. This is far below £41,700. So even if the job was somehow RQF Level 6 (which it is not), the salary is still too low.
Result: Normal warehouse operative, picker-packer, loader, or general labour jobs almost never qualify for visa sponsorship in 2025.
Your Sponsorship Pathway: Targetting Eligible Logistics Roles
If you really want UK visa sponsorship in logistics or warehousing, you must look for higher-level jobs – not basic worker jobs.
You need to move from “staff” level to “supervisor” or “manager” level.
High-Skilled Logistics Roles that Qualify
Here are the main job titles that can still get sponsorship in 2025:
| Eligible Role Title | SOC Code Example | Minimum Salary Needed (approx.) | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director in Logistics/Warehousing | 1140 | £81,400 or higher | RQF 6+ |
| Warehouse Planning Manager | Senior Management | £50,000 + | RQF 6+ |
| Warehouse Manager / Senior Manager | 1241 or similar | £41,700 + | RQF 6+ |
| Logistics Manager | 1162 | £41,700 + | RQF 6+ |
| Warehouse Supervisor (high level) | Must be proved RQF 6 | £41,700 + | RQF 6+ |
| Inventory Control Manager | Often 3543 or similar | £41,700 + | RQF 6+ |
Specialist Forklift Driver or normal Supervisor jobs almost never reach £41,700 and RQF 6, so they are very difficult to sponsor.
Best tip: Look for job titles that have words like Manager, Senior, Team Leader, Planner, Controller, or Specialist + high responsibility (using complex IT systems, managing teams, planning supply chain, etc.).
The UK Work Permit Staff Application Process (5 C’s)
The process is the same for every Skilled Worker Visa. Here are the simple steps:
Secure a Job and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Find a UK company that has a sponsor licence.
- Get a real job offer for a role that meets RQF 6 and the salary rules.
- The company will give you a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) – this is an electronic number that proves the job is real.
Without a CoS, you cannot apply for the visa.
Meet Personal Criteria
You must prove two main things:
- English Language – At least B1 level (you can use IELTS, TOEFL, or other approved tests; many people already have this from school or university).
- Money in the bank – At least £1,270 in your account for 28 days (or your employer can cover this on the CoS).
Submit Your Visa Application
You apply online from your home country. Main documents:
- CoS reference number
- Valid passport
- English test result
- Bank statements (if needed)
- TB test (if your country is on the list)
- Criminal record certificate (sometimes needed)
Pay Fees and Receive the Decision
Costs (2025 prices, may change):
- Visa application fee: £610 – £1,500 (depends on country and length)
- Health surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year
- Total cost for 3-year visa is usually £4,000 – £6,000 or more
Decision time: 3–8 weeks normally.
How to Find UK Visa Sponsorship Warehouse Jobs
Finding these jobs is hard, but possible if you search the right way.
Check the Official Sponsor List
Go to the UK government website and download the full list of licensed sponsors (search “Register of Licensed Sponsors Workers”). Look for big logistics companies such as:
- Amazon
- DHL
- DPD
- Maersk
- Tesco
- Sainsbury’s
- Aldi / Lidl
- Wincanton
- XPO Logistics
Having a licence only means they CAN sponsor – not that they ARE sponsoring right now.
Use the Right Search Words
Do NOT search “warehouse operative visa sponsorship”.
Instead use:
- Warehouse Manager visa sponsorship UK
- Logistics Manager Skilled Worker visa
- Inventory Control Manager sponsorship
- UK visa sponsorship jobs logistics supervisor
- Senior Warehouse Team Leader sponsorship
Focus on the Main Logistics Areas
Best places to find these jobs:
- Midlands “Golden Triangle” – Leicester, Northampton, Daventry, Corby
- Manchester & Liverpool area
- London & South East
- Birmingham
- Leeds & Yorkshire
FAQs: Eligibility for Warehouse Worker Visa UK
Can a normal Forklift Driver get sponsorship now?
Almost never. The job is not RQF Level 6 and the salary is too low (usually £28,000–£35,000 max).
What is the difference between Tier 2 and Skilled Worker Visa?
Nothing important. Tier 2 (General) was the old name. Skilled Worker Visa is the new name – it is the same route.
Can I apply if I am already in the UK on a student visa?
Yes, you can switch inside the UK if you find a qualifying job that meets RQF 6 and the salary rules.
Unlock Your UK Logistics Career Today!
Getting a UK visa sponsorship for a warehouse job is now very difficult for basic roles. But if you have experience and skills, target Manager, Supervisor (high-level), or Specialist roles that pay £41,700+ and are RQF Level 6.
Start today:
- Check the official sponsor list on gov.uk
- Update your CV to show management or specialist skills
- Search with the right keywords on Indeed, LinkedIn, Reed, and Totaljobs
Good luck – the UK still needs skilled logistics people, just not basic warehouse workers anymore!
Disclaimer:
All information is for education only. Rules and salary amounts can change quickly. Always check the latest rules on the official gov.uk website or with the employer before you pay any money or make big decisions.