Kitchen Helper Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship 2026

Launch your culinary career in the heart of the UK’s vibrant food scene. Kitchen Helper roles offer a unique gateway into the professional culinary world, providing a supported pathway with visa sponsorship for international applicants.

This is your chance to learn from experienced chefs in a fast-paced environment, even without prior experience. With an hourly wage of £8 to £10, complimentary staff meals, and invaluable hands-on training, you can turn your passion for food into a stable career and a new life in United Kingdom.

Details of Kitchen Helper Jobs in UK with Visa Sponsorship:

• Job Titles: Kitchen Porter (KP), Pot Wash, Commis Chef (Note: Commis Chef is on the skilled list)
• Industry: Hospitality / Catering
• Job Type: Full-time, often with evening and weekend shifts.
• Visa Sponsorship: Extremely rare and not standard for basic kitchen porter roles.

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Potential (But Difficult) Pathways:

There are two narrow scenarios where sponsorship might be possible:

• Commis Chef Role: The role of Commis Chef is on the Skilled Occupation List. If an employer designs a job with structured training and culinary duties beyond just washing dishes, they could potentially sponsor a commis chef. This requires the employer to prove the role is skilled.
• Seasonal Worker Visa (Not for Kitchens): This visa exists but is exclusively for edible horticulture and poultry production, not for hotel or restaurant kitchens.

Check Also: Warehouse Assistant Jobs in UK for Foreigners

Realistic Eligibility & Requirements:

If a sponsored role were available, you would need:

• Experience: While “no experience” is often stated, any prior kitchen experience is a significant advantage.
• Language: Functional English is essential for understanding instructions and maintaining safety.
• Physical Fitness: The role is physically demanding, involving long hours on your feet, lifting heavy items, and working in a hot, fast-paced environment.
• Legal Right to Work: This is the primary barrier for non-UK citizens.

Realistic Salary & Working Conditions:

The advertised wages are below the legal minimum.

• Salary: The National Living Wage (for those over 21) is the legal minimum. This is £11.44 per hour. A realistic annual salary for a full-time Kitchen Porter is £20,000 – £23,000.
• Typical Conditions:
  • Shift work: Evenings, weekends, and public holidays are standard.
  • Staff Meals: Often provided, which is a significant benefit.
  • Holiday Pay: Entitlement to at least 28 days of paid annual leave (pro rata).
  • Pension: Auto-enrollment in a workplace pension.

Core Job Responsibilities:

The role is essential but demanding:

• Washing pots, pans, dishes, and utensils.
• Maintaining kitchen cleanliness, including floors and surfaces.
• Assisting with basic food prep (peeling vegetables, etc.).
• Taking out rubbish and managing recycling.
• Helping with receiving and storing deliveries.

How to Apply for Kitchen Helper Jobs in UK?

For individuals who already have the right to work in the UK (e.g., through a partner’s visa, a youth mobility visa, or EU settled status), the process is straightforward:

• Target Employers: Apply directly to pubs, restaurants, hotels, and catering companies.
• Use Job Portals:
  • Indeed.co.uk
  • Caterer.com
  • Local hospitality recruitment agencies
• Prepare a Simple CV: Highlight reliability, a strong work ethic, and any relevant experience.

Advice for International Candidates Seeking Sponsorship:

Given the extreme difficulty, a more viable long-term strategy is

• Upskill to a Commis Chef Role: Gain formal culinary training and experience in your home country to apply for a Commis Chef position, which is a sponsored eligible role.
• Explore the Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5): If you are from a participating country (e.g., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, or South Korea) and under the age limit (typically 30-35), this visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years without needing sponsorship. You could then work as a kitchen porter to gain UK experience.

Conclusion:

Kitchen helper positions in UK represent an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals seeking to start a career in the culinary industry with visa sponsorship. The role provides a practical foundation, competitive entry-level wages, and the chance to develop essential skills in a professional kitchen. For motivated individuals, this is a straightforward and accessible path to building a future in the UK’s dynamic hospitality sector.

Frequently Asked Questions: