Chef: CV, Cover Letter and Visa Sponsorship Guide
Skilled chefs are in short supply across UK hospitality, from fine dining restaurants to hotel groups and contract catering operations. Employers who hold a Sponsor Licence can recruit internationally trained chefs on the Skilled Worker Visa. Your CV must clearly show your brigade position, cuisine specialism, and the scale of kitchens you have worked in.
Visa route for chefs
- ✓Route: Skilled Worker Visa
- ✓SOC code: 5434 (Chefs)
- ✓Minimum salary threshold: £29,970 per year (or the going rate, whichever is higher)
- ✓Employer must hold a Sponsor Licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship
- ✓A formal culinary qualification (NVQ, HND, or international equivalent) strengthens your application
- ✓Chef de partie, sous chef, head chef, and executive chef grades are all eligible
Commis chef and kitchen assistant roles at the lower end of the brigade are generally not eligible at the salary threshold. The role must qualify at SOC 5434 and meet the minimum salary requirement.
How to structure your Chef CV for UK employers
- 1Open with your brigade position, cuisine specialism, and the calibre of establishment you have worked in (Michelin star, AA rosette, hotel star rating)
- 2List each role with covers per service, kitchen size, and your specific responsibilities in the brigade
- 3Include sections for cuisines mastered, specialist skills (butchery, pastry, bread, live fire), and dietary proficiency (vegan, allergen management)
- 4List relevant certifications: food hygiene Level 2 or Level 3, allergen awareness, HACCP
- 5Mention any menu development, cost control, or ordering responsibilities you have held
ATS keywords for Chef roles
Most UK employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen CVs before a human reads them. Include the keywords below naturally throughout your CV to improve your chances of passing the first filter.
Position and grade
Cuisine and specialism
Operations
Certifications
Writing your chef cover letter
Hospitality employers expect a concise and confident cover letter that gets straight to your experience. Name your current or most recent position and the type of kitchen you have worked in within the first two lines. Recruiters in this sector read fast.
What to include
- ✓State your current brigade position and the type and calibre of kitchen in the opening sentence
- ✓Describe the cuisine style you specialise in and why it aligns with the employer's offer
- ✓Mention any awards, accolades, or notable achievements (Michelin guide listing, AA rosette gain)
- ✓Show awareness of the employer's menu concept or kitchen culture where possible
- ✓Keep the letter to one page
What to avoid
- ✗Do not use a generic 'I am passionate about food' opener without supporting evidence
- ✗Do not omit your food hygiene certification level
- ✗Do not undersell your management experience if you have been responsible for a section or junior brigade members
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Find employers who can sponsor your Chef visa
The UK Home Office Register of Licensed Sponsors lists every employer authorised to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship. Hiredge cross-references this register automatically so you can verify any employer before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Which chef grades qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa?
Chef de partie, sous chef, head chef, executive chef, and pastry chef roles coded under SOC 5434 are eligible, provided the salary meets the minimum threshold. Commis chef roles typically fall below the salary threshold and are unlikely to qualify.
Do restaurant groups sponsor chef visas?
Yes. Many UK restaurant groups, hotel operators, and contract catering companies hold Sponsor Licences. The hospitality sector is one of the most active for international recruitment. Use the Hiredge Sponsor Checker to find and verify individual employers.
Do I need a UK culinary qualification to apply for chef roles?
A UK qualification is not required, but you should be able to demonstrate your overseas culinary training and work history clearly. Many employers value practical kitchen experience over formal qualifications. Ensure your CV shows the calibre and scale of establishments you have worked in.
What is the minimum salary for a sponsored chef role?
The minimum salary threshold is £29,970 per year. This applies to roles coded at SOC 5434. The actual salary must meet the higher of the general threshold or the going rate for the occupation.
Can I bring my family to the UK if I am sponsored as a chef?
Yes. Skilled Worker Visa holders can bring dependants (partner and children under 18) to the UK. Your dependants will also be eligible to work in the UK without restriction. This right extends for the duration of your visa.