Every year, millions of people all over the world swarm the UK embassy in their respective countries in hopes of getting a visa. The UK’s stable economy and excellent social amenities make it an incredible destination for migrants. In this article, we shall be exploring the UK’s hospitality industry and the various visa pathways through which you can secure a visa to fulfill your dream of living and working in the UK.
The hospitality sector is the third largest employer in the UK, with approximately 3.5 million people working in various roles within the industry. This incredibly large sector plays a crucial role in providing jobs and supporting livelihoods across the country.
Every year, the UK’s hospitality sector directly contributes £93 billion to the UK economy. In 2022, the sector generated £54 billion in tax receipts and £20 billion in exports. Additionally, it attracted £7 billion in business investment.
Hospitality has shown faster economic growth than any other sector. With favorable conditions, leading economic analysts project that it could increase its economic contribution by £29 billion and create 500,000 new jobs by 2027.
Restaurant Work in the UK
Restaurants are a colossal component of the UK’s hospitality sector. In 2022, there were 35,129 full-service operating restaurants within the UK, down from 42,070 in 2021. The food and drink industry in the UK provided formal employment for 475,000 people in 2022, a decrease from 487,848 individuals in 2021.
Despite challenges, there is optimism. A Lumina Intelligence report predicts a year-on-year growth of almost 60% for the UK restaurant industry, amounting to £6.6 billion, bringing the total value to £17.8 billion. What this means for you is that the opportunities in this sector are going to be super incredible as it recovers from the shocks of COVID and tries to regain its astonishing market share.
Restaurant Staff Visa Info in Manchester
To live and work as a restaurant staff in Manchester, you will need to first obtain a skilled worker visa that will enable you to legally relocate to the country. Here is everything you need to know about this visa pathway:
The UK Skilled Worker Visa
The UK Skilled Worker visa is designed for individuals who want to come to or stay in the UK to work in an eligible job with an approved employer. To qualify, you must work for a UK employer that has been approved by the Home Office. You’ll also need a ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) from your employer, which provides information about the role you’ve been offered in the UK.
Under this visa class, your job must be on the list of eligible occupations. You can find this list on the [official government website](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations/skilled-worker-visa-eligible-occupations-and-codes).
The minimum salary requirement depends on the type of work and the date you received your CoS. Applicants need a total of 70 points to qualify, with 50 points coming from having a job offer above a minimum skill level and demonstrating English proficiency. The remaining 20 points can come from a higher salary, working in a sector with job shortages, or having a relevant PhD.
The Skilled Worker visa can last for up to 5 years before you need to extend it. You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. After 5 years, you may be eligible to apply for permanent settlement in the UK (also known as ‘indefinite leave to remain’). Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.
Application Process
Like most other visa application processes, the UK Skilled Worker Visa requires a thorough and extensive application procedure. It is important that you carefully go through all the steps to avoid any complications.
1- Job Offer and Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): The first thing you willneed is a job offer from a UK employer who is an approved sponsor. Your employer will provide you with a CoS, which contains details about your job and salary. You must endeavor to make sure your job is on the list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa.
2- Eligibility Check: After getting a job offer, you will need to perform an eligibility check to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria, including the minimum salary requirement and English language proficiency. As stated earlier, you will need at least 70 points to qualify. The mandatory 50 points come from having a job offer and meeting the skill level requirement. The remaining 20 points can be earned through other factors like a higher salary or working in a shortage occupation.
3- Online Application: After that, you can then visit the [official UK government website](https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa) to create an account, complete the application form, and pay the relevant fees. You’ll need to provide personal details, information about your job offer, and supporting documents.
4- Biometrics Appointment: After submitting your application, you’ll receive instructions to book a biometrics appointment. Attend the appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
Supporting Documents: You must gather all the necessary documents and make sure the information contained is accurate, including:
- Passport or travel document
- CoS reference number
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Bank statements or payslips
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable)
It is also important that you make sure all your documents are in English or have certified translations.
6- Healthcare Surcharge and IHS Payment: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your application. This allows you to access the National Health Service (NHS) during your stay in the UK.
7- Attend an Interview (if required): In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview at a UK Visa Application Centre.
8- Decision and Collection: You’ll receive a decision on your visa application within a few weeks. If approved, you’ll get a vignette (sticker) in your passport, which allows you to enter the UK. You can then collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK.
9- Arrival in the UK: Once in the UK, register with the police (if required) and start working with your sponsoring employer.
10- Visa Extension: You can extend your Skilled Worker visa before it expires. After 5 years, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (permanent settlement).
Application Costs
When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa, you’ll need to consider the following costs:
- Application Fee: The standard application fee ranges from £610 to £1,408, depending on your circumstances. If your job is on the shortage occupation list, you’ll pay a lower application fee.
- Healthcare Surcharge: You’ll also need to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay. Typically, this amounts to £1,035 per year. Make sure to check the exact amount before you apply.
- Funds to Support Yourself: To demonstrate your ability to support yourself in the UK, you must have at least £1,270 in your bank account. This amount should be available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of applying for the visa. You’ll usually need to provide proof of these funds unless: (1) You’ve been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months or (2) Your employer can cover your costs during your first month in the UK (up to £1,270).
Remember that the specific costs may vary based on your individual circumstances and the duration of your visa.
Application process for those with dependents
When applying for a UK Skilled Worker visa with dependents (such as your partner or children), here are the key points to consider:
1. Eligibility for Dependents: Your dependents can apply to join you or stay in the UK if they’re eligible. Eligible dependants include your spouse or civil partner, unmarried or same-sex partner, as well as children under 18 years old
2. Application Process for Dependents: If you’re applying with dependents, you’ll need to include them in your application. Each dependent will need their own separate application form. They’ll also need to provide supporting documents, including proof of their relationship to you (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate).
3. Financial Requirements for Dependents: You’ll need to show that you can financially support your dependents during their stay in the UK. The financial requirement varies based on the number of dependants:
- For a partner, you’ll need to demonstrate an additional income of £285 per month.
- For each child, you’ll need to show an additional £315 per month.
4. Healthcare Surcharge for Dependents: Dependents will also need to pay the healthcare surcharge (IHS) for each year of their stay. The IHS allows them to access the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
5. Accommodation and Living Arrangements: You also need to consider where you and your dependants will live in the UK as you would need to prove that you have suitable accommodation for your family.
6. Visa Duration for Dependents: Dependents will receive a visa duration that matches yours. If your Skilled Worker visa is for 5 years, their visas will also be valid for 5 years.
7. Schooling for Children: If you have children, research schools in the area where you plan to live and ensure they meet the age and educational requirements for school enrollment.
8. Travel and Arrival: Plan your travel together with your dependents. Upon arrival in the UK, collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) and ensure your dependents do the same.
Remember that the process for dependents is closely linked to your own application. Make sure to provide accurate information and follow the guidelines to ensure a smooth process for everyone.