UK Hospitality: Bridging Staff Shortages with Visa Options in 2025

Visa Options for the UK Hospitality Sector

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The UK Skilled Worker Visa is a key route for hospitality businesses looking to fill skilled roles. To qualify, candidates must have:

• A job offer from a UK employer with a sponsor licence.
• A role that meets the required skill and salary thresholds.
• Sufficient points under the points-based immigration system are based on factors such as salary, job offer level, and English language proficiency.

Eligibility for Hospitality Roles:

Certain roles in the hospitality sector qualify, including:

• Chefs (excluding fast food roles, with strict skill and salary requirements).
• Bar Managers
• Hotel Managers
• Restaurant Managers

Updated Salary Requirements for 2025:

As of 2025, the minimum salary threshold for Skilled Worker Visa applicants has been adjusted. The following rules apply:

• General Minimum Salary Threshold: £38,700 per year or £18.60 per hour, or the "going rate"
• Reduced Threshold for Specific Applicants: Certain applicants, such as those under 26, new graduates, or working towards recognised qualifications, may qualify for a reduced threshold of £34,600 per year, or a percentage of the "going rate".

Typical Fees

For Employers:

• Sponsor Licence Fee:
  • £536 for small/charitable sponsors (valid for 4 years).
  • £1,476 for medium/large sponsors (valid for 4 years).
• Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
  • £199 per CoS issued.
• Immigration Skills Charge (ISC):
  • £364 per year per worker for small/charitable sponsors.
  • £1,000 per year per worker for medium/large sponsors.
• Priority CoS Allocation Service:
  • £200 (if expedited allocation is required).

For Workers (can be paid for by the company):

• Visa Application Fee:
  • £719 (up to 3 years).
  • £1,420 (over 3 years).
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
  • £1,035 per year for adults.
  • £776 per year for dependents under 18.
• English Language Test (if applicable): £150-£200.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test (if applicable): £50-£100.

2. Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS)

The UK Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) provides an excellent opportunity to attract young talent from specific countries.

Key Details:

• Open to individuals aged 18-30 (up to 35 for some countries, including New Zealand).
• Allows participants to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years (or 3 years for New Zealand nationals).
• No sponsorship is required, making it a cost-effective option for employers.
• Participating countries include Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and several others.

Typical Fees

For Workers:

• Visa Application Fee: £259.
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
  • £1,035 per year for adults.
  • Example: For a 2-year visa, the IHS will be £2,070 upfront.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Test (if applicable): £50-£100.