No Experience Needed! Waiter/Waitress Jobs in UK with Visa Support for Foreigners

Why the UK Needs Foreign Workers in Hospitality

Here’s the truth. The UK is short on workers in hospitality. Since Brexit and COVID-19, many restaurants, hotels, and cafés are facing serious staffing gaps. And it’s not just in London — we’re talking about towns, countryside pubs, city hotels, airport lounges… everywhere.

That’s where you come in.

To keep their businesses running, UK employers are now offering visa sponsorships to international candidates who are willing to work as waiters, waitresses, kitchen assistants, and food service staff.

What’s a Waiter/Waitress Job Like in the UK?

If you’ve worked in hospitality before — great. If not? Don’t worry. The job is very learnable and rewarding once you get the hang of it.

Duties Usually Include:

• Greeting and serving customers politely
• Taking food and drink orders
• Delivering meals from the kitchen to the table
• Handling bills and card payments
• Keeping tables and service areas clean
• Communicating with kitchen and bar staff
• Making sure customers have a good time

And yes — tips are still a thing in the UK (although not as big as in the US).

Can You Get a Visa for This Job?

Yes, but let’s be real — not every restaurant can offer a visa. Only licensed UK sponsors can legally hire international workers on the Skilled Worker Visa. But here’s the good news: more and more hospitality employers are becoming licensed sponsors in 2025 due to staff shortages.That means you CAN get a waiter/waitress job in the UK with visa sponsorship — especially if you’re willing to work outside the big cities or in high-demand roles.

Types of Places That Hire Waiters/Waitresses

You’ve got options. Loads of them.

• Fine dining restaurants , Cafés and coffee shops (like Pret, Costa, and Nero)
• Hotels and resorts
• Pubs and gastropubs
• Airport restaurants
• University and college dining halls
• Catering companies and event venues

Each offers a slightly different vibe — some formal, some chill, but all need people who are polite, fast, and reliable.

Salary & Benefits (What You’ll Earn in 2025)

Here’s a ballpark idea of what you can earn as a waiter/waitress in the UK with visa sponsorship:

Many roles also include:

• Free or discounted meals
• Tips and service charges (shared among staff)
• Paid holidays
• Free uniforms
• Staff discounts at chains or hotels
• Training and growth into supervisor or manager roles

UK Skilled Worker Visa – What You Need

To qualify for a visa-sponsored job as a waiter/waitress, you’ll need:

• A job offer from a licensed sponsor in the UK
• A Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from your employer
• Proof of English language proficiency (sometimes waived)
• A valid passport
• A clean criminal background check
• Proof you can support yourself when you first arrive (unless employer covers it)

Some roles may also ask for hospitality experience, but it’s not always required.

Who Can Apply?

Literally anyone outside the UK — including:

• India
• Philippines
• Nigeria
• Bangladesh
• Nepal
• Pakistan
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Zimbabwe
• Ghana
• Uganda
• Zambia
• Congo DR
• Burundi

If you’ve got a positive attitude, good communication skills, and basic English — you’re already halfway there.

How to Apply for Waiter/Waitress Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Let’s keep it simple.

Tailor Your CV (UK Style)

Keep it short (1–2 pages)
Mention previous hospitality/customer-facing experience
Highlight English ability and visa eligibility
Say clearly: “Looking for visa sponsorship – eligible for Skilled Worker visa”

Final Thoughts – Start Small, Grow Big

Waiter and waitress jobs may not sound glamorous, but they’re a real, stable way to move to the UK with a visa.