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A Complete Guide to the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows domestic workers to accompany their employers to the UK, providing an opportunity to live and work in the country for a limited time. Whether you’re a nanny, chauffeur, cook, or cleaner, this visa ensures that you can legally work within a private household while being employed by your overseas employer.

In this article, the Immigration Team at Richard Nelson LLP, alongside Rita Kotecha, look at the rules for the Domestic Worker Visa, including the eligibility and application requirements, what this visa allows and the rights and responsibilities of these workers while they are in the UK.

If you’re interested in a particular section, use the links below to navigate straight to it:

Need help applying for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa? Contact our team today for expert guidance and support.

What is the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa enables domestic workers to accompany their employers to the UK for up to six months. To be eligible, you must:

  • Live outside the UK
  • Be employed as a domestic worker in a private household
  • Have worked for your employer for at least one year
  • Meet other specified eligibility requirements.

Who is eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?

The Home Office defines eligible domestic workers as:

  • Nannies
  • Chauffeurs
  • Cooks
  • Cleaners
  • Those providing personal care for the employer and their family.

How do you apply for a Domestic Worker Visa?

You must apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa online before travelling to the UK, as this visa cannot be obtained upon arrival at a UK airport or port. The application must be submitted from outside the UK, and workers cannot enter as visitors and switch to this visa later.

You can apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa up to three months before your planned travel date. The process is completed online, and as part of the application, you will need to attend an overseas visa application centre to provide biometric information, including fingerprint scans and a photograph.

What are the requirements for a Domestic Worker Visa?

To qualify for the UK Domestic Worker Visa, you must:

  • Be 19 years or older
  • Have worked for your employer for at least one year
  • Work in the same household as your employer or one they use regularly
  • Plan to travel to the UK with your employer, partner, or children
  • Intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in the UK where your employer will reside
  • Plan to leave at the end of the six-month period
  • Be able to support yourself in the UK without relying on public funds.

Your employer must also meet specific criteria:

  • Be a British citizen who usually lives outside the UK and does not intend to remain in the UK for six months, or a foreign citizen visiting the UK who does not intend to stay for more than six months.

Knowledge of the English language

Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English at the B1 level in reading, speaking, listening, and writing. This can be proven by:

  • Passing an approved English language test
  • Holding an academic qualification taught in English and recognised by Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC). 

If you’re from a predominantly English-speaking country, there’s no requirement to provide evidence of English language proficiency. 

What documents do you need for your application?

When applying, you’ll need to provide:

  • A current passport (with a blank page) or valid travel identification
  • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements or payslips from the last six months)
  • A completed ‘Appendix Domestic Worker Statement’, signed by both you and your employer
  • A letter from your employer confirming your job title, duration of employment, and that you’re a permanent employee.

Additionally, provide one of the following documents covering the same employment period:

  • Payslips or bank statements showing salary payments
  • Confirmation of tax payments
  • Confirmation of health insurance payments
  • Employment contract
  • Work visa, residence permit, or equivalent passport endorsement for the country where you’re currently employed
  • Previous visas or equivalent passport endorsements if you’ve travelled with your employer before.

What are your employment rights as a domestic worker?

While working in the UK, your employer must:

  • Pay you an agreed rate, which must be at least the national minimum wage
  • Not force you to work excessive hours
  • Provide agreed holiday pay
  • Give you the notice you’re entitled to if your employment ends.

Ensure you have agreed upon your employment conditions in writing. Your employer cannot change these conditions without your consent. If your employer fails to meet these requirements, you can take legal action through an employment tribunal or the civil courts.

Support for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking

As well as the above, you have the right to work in a safe and respectful environment, free from abuse, mistreatment, or exploitation. If you believe you are being mistreated or forced to work under duress, you have the right to report this to the police and your employer could face serious consequences, including criminal prosecution for human trafficking or modern slavery. 

If you have been identified as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, you may be eligible for extra support. This could include temporary leave to remain in the UK for up to two years to allow you to recover and rebuild your life. Find out more on the Government’s website.

What is the fee for the Domestic Worker Visa?

The application fee for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa is £637. It is important to check the official UK government website for any updates to the fee, as visa charges can sometimes change.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Processing times typically take around three weeks when applying from outside the UK. However, if you require a faster decision, you may be able to opt for a ‘priority service’, which can speed up the process for an additional fee.

How long can you stay in the UK on this visa?

If successful, you can stay in the UK for up to six months, which cannot be extended. You must leave the UK at the end of this period or when your employer returns home, whichever comes first.

While you cannot extend this visa from within the UK, you may be able to apply for a new Overseas Domestic Worker Visa from abroad. However, repeated applications in quick succession may raise concerns with the Home Office about whether you are attempting to use this route for long-term residence. Each application is assessed individually, considering your previous travel history and the purpose of your stay.

Remaining in the UK beyond your permitted stay without the correct visa could impact your ability to return in the future. If you wish to stay in the UK longer under a different immigration route, you would need to meet the eligibility criteria for a new visa.

UK Domestic Worker Visas Issued on or before 5 April 2012

For individuals who entered the UK on a domestic worker in a private household visa before 5 April 2012, the rules are more flexible. If you entered the UK before this date and meet the necessary conditions, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of stay and, in some cases, even qualify for settlement. You can:

  • extend your stay in the UK every 12 months
  • apply to settle permanently in the UK after 5 years
  • bring your partner and children under 18
  • change employer while your visa is valid

To extend your visa as a domestic worker, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • be a domestic worker in a private household
  • have applied for your domestic worker visa on or before 5 April 2012
  • have continued to live in the UK
  • apply while you’re still in the UK

To qualify for settlement in the UK as a domestic worker, you must meet these specific conditions:

  • have applied for your domestic worker visa on or before 5 April 2012
  • have been living here legally for at least 5 years
  • currently have permission to stay here as a domestic worker
  • have been in the UK as a full-time domestic worker continuously throughout the 5 years (you cannot have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months)
  • have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the 5 years
  • have sufficient knowledge of English and life in the UK.

How we can help

Our team of expert immigration lawyers have helped countless clients with their immigration needs, and they can help you too. 

Whether you need guidance on eligibility, help gathering the necessary documents, or advice on your employment rights in the UK, we are here to assist. Get in touch with our UK Visa Solicitors today to see how we can help you.

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