Kitchen Helper Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Many international job seekers dream of working in the United Kingdom’s hospitality sector, where demand for kitchen staff remains strong across hotels, restaurants, care homes, and catering services. In 2026, kitchen helper jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship present a pathway for foreigners to secure legal employment, develop practical skills in food service, and gain valuable work experience in a global setting.

These roles are often advertised by licensed employers willing to sponsor work visas under the UK’s Skilled Worker visa program, which requires a job offer from an approved sponsor and a corresponding Certificate of Sponsorship.

Key Job Details

• Job Title: Kitchen Helper / Kitchen Assistant
• Location: Across the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)
• Industry: Hospitality, Catering, Hotel & Restaurant Services
• Salary Range: Approx. £12.00 – £14.50 per hour (varies by employer and region)
• Work Type: Full-time and part-time roles
• Education Required: No formal degree required
• Experience Required: Previous kitchen experience helpful but not always necessary
• Visa Sponsorship: Employer-sponsored Skilled Worker visa
• Benefits: Paid holidays, pension contributions, training opportunities (varies)

Several UK employers in care homes and hospitality settings have advertised kitchen assistant roles with visa sponsorship, signaling that this pathway is active for foreign applicants with the right job offer.

Also Check: Urgent Jobs in UK for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship

Job Requirements

To qualify for kitchen helper positions in the UK with visa sponsorship in 2026, applicants should typically meet the following criteria:

• A confirmed job offer from a UK employer who holds a sponsorship licence.
• Eligibility for a UK Skilled Worker visa (including meeting any minimum salary threshold set by the Home Office).
• Good communication skills in English to follow instructions and work safely.
• Physical ability to handle kitchen duties, including food preparation and cleaning tasks.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings and weekends.

Because the Skilled Worker visa has specific eligibility rules, it’s important to confirm sponsorship support before applying for any job.

Typical Responsibilities

Kitchen helpers play an important role in maintaining a smooth kitchen operation. Common duties include:

• Preparing and chopping ingredients for chefs and cooks.
• Washing dishes, utensils, pots, and pans.
• Cleaning kitchen floors, counters, and equipment.
• Assisting with basic food preparation tasks.
• Moving supplies and ingredients to appropriate stations.
• Following food safety and hygiene standards.

These tasks help ensure efficient, hygienic food service and support senior kitchen staff during busy service hours.

Benefits of Kitchen Helper Jobs in the UK

Working as a kitchen helper in the UK with visa sponsorship offers several benefits:

1. Legal Work Permit Through Sponsorship
Successful candidates can work legally in the UK with employer-issued sponsorship and a Skilled Worker visa.

2. Practical Experience in Hospitality
Kitchen roles help develop hands-on skills in food handling, hygiene, teamwork, and service delivery.

3. Competitive Pay and Benefits
Hourly wages are aligned with UK hospitality standards and often include paid holidays and pension contributions.

4. Diverse Workplaces
Opportunities exist in varied settings including hotels, restaurants, care homes, and catering companies.

5. Pathway to Growth
With experience, kitchen helpers can progress to roles such as cook, kitchen supervisor, food prep specialist, or catering assistant.

Who Should Apply?

Kitchen helper jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship 2026 are ideal for:

• Foreign workers seeking legal employment in hospitality.
• Individuals are comfortable with physical work and food prep routines.
• Applicants wishing to gain international work experience.
• Workers interested in building hospitality or catering skills.

Application Process

To pursue kitchen helper jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship:

1. Prepare a UK-style CV that emphasizes any kitchen, hospitality, or food handling experience.
2. Search job listings where employers explicitly state visa sponsorship support. Platforms like UK job boards and hospitality sites list such roles.
3. Confirm sponsorship availability with employers before applying.
4. Submit applications and attend interviews.
5. Receive a job offer with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS).
6. Apply for the UK Skilled Worker visa with the CoS and required documentation.

Preparation, clarity about visa support, and responsiveness in interviews help boost your chances of success.