For Chef roles (SOC 5434), the salary threshold is £29,000 under the UK Immigration Rules. Salary offered was below the going rate for SOC 5434.

Skilled Worker Visa: Chef — Salary Requirements

This page covers salary requirements for Chef applications under the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

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

For Chef roles (SOC 5434), the salary threshold is £29,000. Skilled chef roles require evidence of RQF Level 3 equivalent skill.

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 for Chef: 5434
• Salary threshold: £29,000
• Skilled chef roles require evidence of RQF Level 3 equivalent skill.
• Sponsor must hold a valid Skilled Worker sponsor licence and assign a COS

Why This Matters

• Salary offered was below the going rate for SOC 5434
• Certificate of Sponsorship contained errors or was not correctly assigned
• Role did not clearly meet the skill threshold for Chef at RQF Level 3 or above

What salary do I need as a Chef on the Skilled Worker Visa?

The salary must meet £29,000 or the going rate for SOC 5434, whichever is higher. Skilled chef roles require evidence of RQF Level 3 equivalent skill.

What SOC code applies to Chef roles?

SOC 5434 is the standard occupation code for Chef roles.