The United Kingdom remains a highly desirable destination for international workers seeking employment in the hospitality sector. With its vibrant tourism industry, full restaurant schedules, busy hotels, catering companies, and expanding food service markets, the demand for kitchen helper jobs in the UK is robust and growing in 2026. Cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Leeds continue to host a range of hospitality establishments looking for reliable kitchen support staff — and many are open to visa sponsorship for qualified foreign candidates.
Kitchen helper roles are ideal for foreign workers due to their hands-on nature, limited formal education requirements, and opportunities for on-the-job training. These jobs involve assisting chefs, preparing ingredients, maintaining clean kitchen environments, and supporting smooth food service operations. With ongoing labour shortages in hospitality, employers in the UK are increasingly willing to sponsor work visas for kitchen assistants and helpers to secure stable, skilled teams.
This guide provides a full overview of kitchen helper jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2026 — including job details, visa options, eligibility requirements, application steps, salary expectations, common challenges, helpful tips, and frequently asked questions.
Job Details
Job Country: United Kingdom
Job Title: Kitchen Helper / Kitchen Assistant
Who Can Apply?: All Nationalities
How to Apply?: Online / Employer Outreach
Minimum Experience: 0–2 Years
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, Available
Also Check: Warehouse Workers Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship 2026
Visa Sponsorship in the UK
In the UK, employers can sponsor overseas workers when there is a genuine shortage of skilled workers for specific jobs. Hospitality businesses and catering companies can support foreign kitchen helpers through the Skilled Worker Visa route if the role meets the criteria set by the UK government. To sponsor an overseas employee, an employer must:
- Be listed as a licensed sponsor with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Offer a valid job contract with a suitable wage for the role.
- Submit a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) on behalf of the applicant.
- Support the employee’s visa application with required documentation.
Once a work visa is granted, kitchen helpers can work legally, enjoy employee rights, and potentially extend their stay or move toward longer-term residency depending on eligibility.
Types of Work Visas for Kitchen Helpers
Skilled Worker Visa
This is the main route for employer-sponsored overseas workers in the UK. While kitchen helper roles may not be highly skilled under immigration definitions, hospitality businesses can sponsor candidates under certain conditions when they demonstrate a genuine need and meet wage thresholds.
Temporary Worker – Seasonal Visa
Available when employers sponsor foreign workers for short-term needs, such as peak hospitality seasons (e.g., summer tourism, holiday periods), though not all kitchen helper jobs fall under this category.
Youth Mobility Scheme (where eligible)
Citizens of qualifying countries may live and work in the UK for up to two years without full employer sponsorship, gaining experience as kitchen helpers or in other roles.
Types of Kitchen Helper Jobs in the UK
Kitchen helper roles can vary depending on the size and type of hospitality establishment.
General Kitchen Helper:
Assisting chefs, chopping vegetables, basic food prep, clearing utensils.
Dishwasher / Steward:
Cleaning dishes, pots, pans, kitchen surfaces.
Prep Assistant:
Preparing ingredients, portioning food items, assisting with mise en place.
Cold Kitchen Assistant:
Supporting salad, dessert, and cold food preparation.
Assisted Line Cook Support:
Helping cooks with basic tasks during service rushes.
Banquet / Event Kitchen Support:
Assisting with food prep and cleanup for events and large functions.
Eligibility Criteria
While specific requirements vary by employer and visa type, general standards include:
Age Requirement:
Applicants should be at least 18 years old.
Education:
Formal education is not required for most kitchen helper roles. Basic schooling is sufficient.
Experience:
0–2 years of kitchen or hospitality experience may be accepted for entry-level roles. Experience helps but is not always mandatory.
English Language:
Basic English communication is preferred to follow kitchen instructions and safety guidelines.
Good Character:
A clean police record may be requested for visa processing.
Health Requirements:
Applicants may be required to demonstrate fitness for work.
Job Offer:
A confirmed employment offer from a UK sponsor employer is essential.
Required Documents
Candidates must prepare a full set of documents to support job applications and visa sponsorship submissions:
- Valid passport with at least 12–18 months validity ahead
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Updated CV highlighting any relevant experience
- Job offer letter / employment contract
- Certificate of Sponsorship (provided by employer)
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of English ability (if required)
- Medical or fitness certificates (if necessary)
- Proof of funds (depending on visa type)
Advantages of Kitchen Helper Jobs in the UK
Competitive Pay:
Kitchen helpers enjoy hourly rates that meet UK employment wage standards, including overtime for late shifts.
Employee Rights & Protections:
Under UK labour law, workers receive national minimum wage, holiday pay, sick pay, and structured work hours.
Workplace Training:
Many kitchens provide on-the-job training that helps staff grow culinary and hospitality skills.
Career Progression:
Kitchen helpers can advance to cook, sous chef, or hospitality supervisory roles with experience.
Fast-Growing Job Market:
UK’s hospitality and tourism sectors continue to expand, increasing job opportunities.
Multicultural Work Environment:
Working with international teams enhances language and cultural experience.
Salary Expectations
Salaries for kitchen helpers vary by region, experience, and employer.
Hourly Wage: £10.50 – £14.50 (approximate)
Typical Weekly Earnings (Full-Time): £400 – £580
Monthly Pay (Full-Time): £1,700 – £2,500
Seasonal bonuses, overtime, and tips (where applicable) can increase total income.
How to Apply for Kitchen Helper Jobs in the UK?
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare Your CV & Documents
Format a clear, concise CV and assemble all supporting documents.
Step 2: Search Hospitality Job Openings
Browse UK job portals, hospitality recruitment sites, and restaurant career pages.
Step 3: Submit Job Applications
Apply Now with your CV and express your interest in visa sponsorship.
Step 4: Interview Process
Interviews may be conducted online or by phone.
Step 5: Receive Job Offer
If selected, you receive a signed employment contract and sponsorship support.
Step 6: Sponsor Files Certificate of Sponsorship
Your employer files the Certificate of Sponsorship with UKVI.
Step 7: Submit Visa Application
Apply for your work visa online with your supporting documents.
Step 8: Visa Processing Period
Processing typically takes a few weeks depending on case specifics.
Step 9: Travel & Start Work in the UK
Once approved, arrange travel and begin working as a kitchen helper.