Explore Delivery Driver jobs in the UK with visa sponsorship for 2026, offering competitive salaries ranging from £22,000 to £32,000 per year depending on experience and location. Roles include parcel, food, or goods delivery using company vehicles, ensuring timely and safe transport. Many employers provide visa sponsorship, on-the-job training, health benefits, and paid leave. These positions are ideal for foreigners seeking stable employment, professional driving experience, and legal work opportunities in the UK under sponsorship.
Details:
Key Points
- Job Titles: Delivery Driver, Van Driver, HGV Driver, Multi-drop Driver
- Key Sectors: Parcel Delivery, Food & Grocery, Logistics, Retail
- Visa Route: Skilled Worker Visa
Critical Visa Information:
The most important concept to understand is the UK’s points-based immigration system. To qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, a job must meet a specific skill and salary level.
- Standard van driver roles (e.g., for Amazon, DPD, and Uber Eats) are typically not eligible for sponsorship. They are classified as low-skill under the immigration rules and do not meet the minimum skill threshold.
- HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) Driver roles are eligible for sponsorship. The occupation code “8211: Heavy Goods Vehicle Drivers” is on the list of eligible jobs.
- Minimum Salary: You must be paid at least £26,200 per year or the “going rate” for your job, whichever is higher.
Realistic Salary Expectations:
The advertised range of £28,000 – £35,000 is accurate for HGV drivers, not standard van drivers.
- HGV Class 1 / Class 2 Driver: £30,000 – £42,000+ per year (This meets the visa threshold)
- Van Delivery Driver (e.g., Amazon, Royal Mail): £24,000 – £30,000 per year (This generally does not meet the visa threshold and is rarely sponsored)
- Food Delivery Driver (App-based): Self-employed, variable income, no visa sponsorship.
In-Demand & Sponsorable Roles:
| Job Title | Key Requirement | Visa Sponsorship Potential |
|---|---|---|
| HGV Class 1 (C+E) Driver | Valid UK C+E Licence & Driver CPC | High for long-haul and logistics firms. |
| HGV Class 2 (C) Driver | Valid UK C Licence & Driver CPC | High for multi-drop and rigid truck roles. |
| Specialized Vehicle Driver | (e.g., ADR for hazardous goods) | Moderate to High, due to specialized skill. |
| Van Driver | Standard UK B Licence | Very Low to None. Not eligible for the Skilled Worker route. |
Mandatory Requirements for Sponsored Roles:
For an HGV role, you must have the following before you can be seriously considered for sponsorship:
- Valid UK HGV Licence: You cannot simply convert a foreign licence. You must:
- Obtain a provisional UK HGV entitlement.
- Pass the UK theory and practical driving tests for Category C or C+E.
- Driver CPC (Certificate of Professional Competence): A legal requirement for professional HGV drivers, involving initial qualification and periodic training.
- Digital Tachograph Card: You must have your own driver card.
- Proven Experience: A minimum of 1-2 years of verifiable professional driving experience.
- English Language Proficiency: You must prove English skills at a B1 level for the visa application.
How to Apply?
Given the high barriers, a strategic approach is essential.
- Secure UK HGV Licence & CPC (The First Hurdle):
- Research the process and cost. While challenging, demonstrating progress on this makes you a credible candidate.
- Find a Licensed Sponsor (The Biggest Hurdle):
- Target Large Logistics Companies: Major players like Wincanton, DHL, GXO Logistics, Royal Mail, and Eddie Stobart are more likely to hold a Sponsor Licence and have the resources for immigration paperwork.
- Use Job Boards Strategically: Use Indeed.co.uk, CV-Library, and LinkedIn. Use precise search terms like “HGV driver visa sponsorship,” “Class 1 driver sponsor,” or “Skilled Worker Visa.”
- Recruitment Agencies: Register with agencies specializing in logistics and driving recruitment.
- Prepare a Winning Application:
- UK-Style CV: Create a clean, professional CV. Prominently list your license categories (even if pending UK conversion), Driver CPC status, and years of experience.
- Transparent Cover Letter: Clearly state that you require Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship and outline your plan or progress towards obtaining UK driving qualifications.
- Ace the Interview:
- Be prepared to discuss your driving history, safety record, and knowledge of UK drivers’ hours and tachograph rules.
- Demonstrate your reliability and professionalism.
Start Your Search on These Platforms:
- Indeed UK—HGV Driver Jobs
- Reed UK – Logistics Jobs
- UK Government Sponsor List (To verify if a company is a licensed sponsor)
Conclusion:
A career as a delivery driver in UK represents a solid and accessible opportunity for international job seekers. The consistent demand across e-commerce, food, and logistics sectors, combined with the availability of visa sponsorship from major employers, creates a viable pathway to employment and settlement.
With a competitive salary, the potential for career progression, and the chance to live in UK, this role is an excellent choice for dependable individuals. By preparing a strong application and targeting the right employers, you can successfully secure a position that offers both professional stability and a rewarding new chapter in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a delivery driver in UK?
Salaries typically range from £28,000 to £35,000 per year. Entry-level roles start around the lower end, while experienced or specialized drivers (like HGV drivers) can earn towards the higher end of the scale.
Do I need a specific UK driver’s license?
You need a full, valid driver’s license. For most van and car delivery roles, your current license may be valid, but you must check the rules for exchanging or using a foreign license in the UK. For HGV roles, a specific UK HGV license (Category C or C+E) is required.
