Kenyan Chef applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, salary at or above £29,000 (SOC 5434), and must meet English language requirements under the UK Immigration Rules. Salary offered below the going rate for the occupation code.

Skilled Worker Visa: Chef — Kenya Applicants

This page covers Skilled Worker Visa requirements for Chef applicants from Kenya. It includes salary thresholds, SOC code requirements, sponsor obligations, and what UKVI specifically checks.

Based on current UK Home Office immigration rules (updated 2026)

Kenyan Chef applicants need a Certificate of Sponsorship from a licensed UK employer, salary at or above £29,000 (SOC 5434), and must meet English language requirements.

Check your application against current Immigration Rules before paying non-refundable visa fees. Run the UK Visa Risk Checker before submitting →

What key facts should you know?

• SOC code: 5434 for Chef roles
• Minimum salary: £29,000
• Kenyan applicants must have a valid COS from a licensed Skilled Worker sponsor
• English language requirement applies — acceptable test or exemption needed

Why This Matters

• Salary offered below the going rate for the occupation code
• Certificate of Sponsorship contained errors or mismatches
• Kenyan qualifications not recognised without UK equivalence evidence

Can a Kenyan Chef apply for a Skilled Worker Visa?

Yes. Kenyan Chef applicants need a licensed sponsor, salary of at least £29,000 (SOC 5434), and must meet the English language requirement.

What salary does a Chef need for the Skilled Worker Visa?

The salary must meet £29,000 or the going rate for SOC 5434, whichever is higher.