Chefs, Bar Managers & Bakers Lose Skilled Worker Visa Eligibility from 22 July 2025

1. Introduction

The UK's immigration landscape is undergoing significant changes, particularly impacting the hospitality sector. From 22 July 2025, critical roles like chefs, bar managers, and bakers will no longer be eligible for the Skilled Worker visa route. This pivotal shift marks a return to a higher skill threshold and necessitates immediate action for individuals and businesses affected.

2. Understanding the Policy Shift: RQF Level 6 Becomes the Minimum

For years, the UK's Skilled Worker visa (formerly Tier 2) provided a pathway for a range of professionals, including those at RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) Levels 3-6. This allowed semi-skilled roles, such as chefs, to be sponsored.

Here's a historical overview of the key policy changes:

Crucially, chefs had remained eligible for sponsorship at RQF Level 3 since the Skilled Worker route opened in December 2020. From 22 July 2025 that eligibility ended for new Skilled Worker applications, and chefs are on neither the Temporary Shortage List nor the Immigration Salary List, which replaced the Shortage Occupation List on 4 April 2024.

3. Which Roles are Affected?

The government's updated Statement of Changes to the Immigration Rules confirms that approximately 111 professional roles, classified at RQF Levels 3 to 5, will no longer be eligible for new Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. This includes a significant impact on the hospitality industry:

⧁ Chefs

⧁ Bakers

⧁ Bar Managers

⧁ Pub Managers

⧁ Café Managers

⧁ Restaurant Managers

⧁ Takeaway Managers

⧁ Catering Managers

⧁ Hotel and Accommodation Managers

While some other high-demand sectors had roles moved to a new Temporary Shortage List (TSL), which applies only where the Certificate of Sponsorship is issued before 31 December 2026, no hospitality roles are included on the TSL. This means that for new applicants, these hospitality professions will be completely locked out of the Skilled Worker route.

🛑 Important: Only those who receive a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) before 22 July 2025 can still apply under transitional provisions.

4. Salary Thresholds Also Rising

In addition to the skill level changes, the minimum salary thresholds for Skilled Worker sponsorship are also increasing:

● General Salary Threshold for new applicants: Rising from £38,700 to £41,700.

● General Threshold for Skilled Workers first granted permission before 4 April 2024, and continuously on the route since (extensions, changes of employer and settlement): Increasing from £29,000 to £31,300. (Note: These lower thresholds apply to applications made before 4 April 2030. Workers first granted on or after 4 April 2024 need the £41,700 threshold.)

This means that even if a role were eligible, the increased salary requirements could pose a significant challenge for businesses already operating on tight margins.

5. Transitional Provisions: What You Need to Know

For those currently sponsored in RQF Level 3-5 roles, or whose Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) is issued before 22 July 2025, there are transitional provisions. Generally, individuals already on a Skilled Worker visa in these roles can continue to be sponsored for the time being.

However, these concessions are not indefinite and will be reviewed. New applicants, on the other hand, must meet the higher RQF Level 6 threshold or qualify under the very limited exceptions on the new Temporary Shortage List. Furthermore, new applicants for roles on the TSL will generally not be able to bring dependent partners or children with them, a significant change from previous rules. For the rules that apply to a Skilled Worker application today, including the transitional provisions and the shortage list dates, see our Skilled Worker eligibility and salary guide.

6. Why These Changes? A "Complete Reset" of Immigration

The government's rationale behind these changes is clear: to reduce net migration and shift the UK's labour market away from reliance on overseas, mid-level and semi-skilled recruitment. This is part of a broader strategy to encourage domestic upskilling and training. The then Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, described the changes as a complete reset of the immigration system.

The hospitality sector, heavily reliant on foreign recruitment post-Brexit, is particularly vulnerable. Many businesses, especially in London, have a high proportion of non-UK employees in roles like chefs and managers. The industry has expressed concerns that these changes, combined with rising operating costs, could severely impact their ability to staff their businesses.

7. How Can WorkPermitCloud Help?

At WorkPermitCloud, we understand how confusing and stressful sudden immigration changes can be—especially if your business or livelihood is directly impacted.

We are here to help you:

◆ Secure sponsorship before the 22 July deadline

◆ Review your workforce strategy

◆ Navigate transitional rules for current visa holders
 

🚨 Urgent? Apply through our Priority Service Form
 

📞 Call us: +44 020 8087 2343
 📧 Email: info@workpermitcloud.co.uk
 📅 Book a free consultation: calendly.com/lutfur-workpermitcloud
 

Let us help you stay informed, compliant, and supported through the transition.

8. Conclusion

The upcoming changes to the UK Skilled Worker visa route from 22 July 2025 represent a significant shift in immigration policy, with a particular impact on the hospitality sector. Chefs, bar managers, and bakers, once key eligible roles, will no longer qualify for new sponsorships. While transitional provisions offer some relief for existing visa holders, new applicants and businesses looking to recruit internationally must adapt rapidly. Understanding these changes and acting proactively is crucial to navigate the new landscape successfully. 

WorkPermitCloud is here to provide the expert guidance and support you need during this period of change.

9. Glossary