Immigration - changes impacting the hospitality sector

The UK government is introducing a series of immigration policy changes that will significantly affect the hospitality and leisure sector. These changes take effect from 22 July 2025 and will influence how hospitality and leisure businesses recruit international talent going forward.

Key updates

• Minimum general salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is increasing from £38,700 to £41,700.
• Minimum new entrant salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas is increasing from £30,960 to £33,400.
• Minimum salary threshold for Global Business Mobility (GBM) visas is increasing from £48,500 to £52,500.
• Going rates for eligible roles will also rise in line with inflation.
• Required skill level for Skilled Worker sponsorship is increasing from RQF Level 3 (A-level equivalent) to RQF Level 6 (degree level).

These changes will impact the industry’s ability to sponsor new workers, particularly in operational roles common in hospitality such as chefs and F&B managers. This does not prevent businesses from sponsoring existing Skilled Workers. Existing sponsored Skilled Workers can remain in the UK, even if they change employers, if they continue to meet the existing criteria.

Roles no longer eligible for sponsorship

A list of current Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) codes that will no longer be eligible for new skilled worker candidates has been provided, these include:

• 1221 Hotel and accommodation managers and proprietors
• 1222 Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors
• 1223 Publicans and managers of licensed premises
• 1224 Leisure and sports managers and proprietors
• 5434 Chefs
• 5436 Catering and bar manager
• 3557 Events managers and organisers

Practical advice for employers

To prepare for these changes, employers should consider the following steps:

• Use existing allocations: Assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS) to eligible candidates before 22 July. Note, CoSs can be assigned up to three months prior to the start of employment.
• Request additional CoS now: Apply for more certificates for assignment prior to 22 July and apply for a priority slot to expedite processing.
• Explore alternative visa routes which permit employment outside of sponsorship, such as:
• Dependent visas
• Student visas (20 hours during term time, full-time during holidays)
• Graduate visas 
• UK Ancestry visas
• Youth Mobility visa

Looking ahead

With tighter immigration controls, the hospitality sector must:

• Focus on retaining and upskilling existing staff.
• Promote hospitality as a long-term, rewarding career path.
• Adapt recruitment strategies to build a more sustainable, locally sourced workforce.