Imagine securing your future in the UK through a role that values diligence and reliability above all else. While it might seem unlikely, the critical need for dedicated staff in the healthcare and facilities sectors has made visa sponsorship for cleaner jobs a reality. This isn’t just about cleaning; it’s a structured, legitimate pathway to living and working in Britain, often with the stability of the National Health Service (NHS) behind you.
For those willing to work hard, this route offers a clear chance to meet the UK visa salary threshold of £20,960 per year, gain access to benefits like a workplace pension, and build a foundation for long-term residency. Your attention to detail and strong work ethic are your most valuable assets in this high-demand field.
What is Visa Sponsorship for Cleaner Jobs?
Visa sponsorship occurs when a UK employer, officially licensed by the Home Office, offers a job to an overseas worker and provides them with a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This document is essential for the worker to apply for a Skilled Worker Visa.
The Process Simplified:
- You secure a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor for an eligible role.
- The employer issues you a CoS.
- You use the CoS to apply for your Skilled Worker Visa.
- If approved, you can travel to the UK to live and work.
Read Also: Cleaner Jobs in UK – Apply Now
The Reality of Visa Sponsorship for Cleaning Roles
It is critical to understand that not all cleaning jobs are eligible for sponsorship. The UK visa system has specific requirements:
- Eligible Occupation: The job must be on the UK’s official list of eligible occupations. For cleaners, the relevant classification is “Cleaners, Domestics” (SOC code 9119).
- Salary Threshold: The role must meet the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold. This is currently £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour, whichever is higher. This is the biggest hurdle, as many cleaning roles traditionally pay less.
- Sponsor License: The employer must hold a valid Sponsor License and be willing to assign a CoS for this specific role.
Why is it possible? Major employers in sectors with critical shortages (like healthcare) sometimes raise wages for these essential roles to meet the threshold so they can recruit internationally.
Salary Expectations for 2025
To be eligible for a visa, the offered salary must meet the minimum requirements. Wages can vary by region and shift pattern.
| Job Role | Hourly Pay (GBP) | Annual Salary (Approx.) | Meets Visa Threshold? |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Cleaner (Day) | £10.50 – £12.00 | £16,800 – £19,200 | Often No |
| NHS Domestic Assistant | £11.45 – £12.50+ | £20,900 – £23,800+ | Yes |
| Night Cleaner / Deep Cleaner | £12.00 – £14.00+ | £22,000 – £26,000+ | Possible |
Note: The NHS often pays a salary that meets or exceeds the threshold, especially when including shift allowances for nights and weekends.
Potential Benefits:
- Paid holiday (up to 28 days per year, including public holidays)
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free uniform
- Training provided
Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship for Cleaners
Your best chances are with large, established companies and public sector bodies that have the resources and need to sponsor workers.
- 1. NHS (National Health Service)—Your best bet. Hospitals have a high demand for “Domestic Assistants” 24/7. These roles are often sponsored under the Health and Care Worker visa (which has lower fees and a dedicated fast-track process).
- Portal:
www.jobs.nhs.uk - Search for “Domestic Assistant,” “Housekeeper,” or “Cleaner.”
- Portal:
- 2. Mitie Group / OCS Group / ISS UK—These are massive facilities management companies contracted to clean airports, government buildings, schools, and corporate offices. They hold sponsor licenses and recruit in bulk.
- Check their official career websites directly.
- 3. Large Hotel Chains & Care Home Groups – As with laundry roles, large chains (e.g., Bupa Care Homes, Barchester Healthcare, major hotels) may sponsor cleaning staff for hard-to-fill roles, especially if combined with other duties.
Who Can Apply?
This path is open to applicants from outside the UK who meet the visa criteria. Applicants from countries including India, Nigeria, the Philippines, Ghana, Kenya, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are common successful candidates.
Key Requirements:
- Age: 18 or over.
- Language: You must prove knowledge of English at least at CEFR Level A1 (basic). For the Skilled Worker visa, you typically need Level B1 (intermediate), which can be proven by passport or test.
- Health & Character: A clean criminal record and a TB test (if required for your country).
- Financials: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days to show you can support yourself upon arrival.
How to Find General Cleaner Jobs in UK With Visa Sponsorship
Step 1: Target the Right Employers
- Focus your energy on the NHS and large facilities management companies (Mitie, OCS, ISS). They are your most likely sponsors.
Step 2: Use Precise Search Terms
- On job sites like Indeed.co.uk, TotalJobs, and Reed.co.uk, use exact phrases:
"Domestic Assistant visa sponsorship""NHS cleaner Health and Care Worker visa""Cleaner Skilled Worker visa sponsorship"
Step 3: Check the Official Sponsor List
- Always verify an employer’s ability to sponsor by checking the UK Government’s Register of Licensed Sponsors.
Step 4: Prepare a UK-Style Application
- CV: Keep it to one page. Highlight reliability, any cleaning experience, and familiarity with industrial equipment.
- Be Clear: State upfront in your cover letter or application: “I require Skilled Worker visa sponsorship and am eligible to apply.”
Conclusion
A cleaner role, particularly within the NHS as a domestic assistant, represents one of the most viable entry-level paths to securing a UK Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa. While the process is competitive and hinges on meeting strict salary and eligibility criteria, the path is well-established due to chronic labor shortages in essential services.
This job is more than maintaining cleanliness; it’s a critical function that keeps key institutions running and offers a stable, respected career with a clear route to long-term settlement. If you are reliable, diligent, and ready to work, targeting the right employers with a precise application strategy can turn this opportunity into your gateway to the UK. Focus your efforts on licensed sponsors, tailor your CV to highlight your strengths, and take the first step towards building your new life.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I really get a UK visa for a cleaning job?
Yes, but it is highly specific. The role must be classified under an eligible occupation code, typically “Cleaners, Domestics” (SOC code 9119). The employer must be a licensed sponsor, and the salary must meet the strict £20,960 per year or £10.75 per hour threshold.
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Do I need experience or qualifications?
No formal qualifications are typically required. Employers primarily value reliability, trustworthiness, and a strong work ethic. Any previous experience in cleaning or domestic work is a significant advantage and should be highlighted on your CV.
