UK Domestic Worker Visa
Work in private households across the United Kingdom
Domestic Worker Visa Overview
The UK Domestic Worker Visa is a specialized immigration route designed for foreign domestic staff employed in private households throughout the United Kingdom. This visa category accommodates nannies, housekeepers, personal assistants, chefs, chauffeurs, and other household staff who work directly for individual families or employers.
The distinctive feature of this visa is that no pre-arranged job offer through the Certificate of Sponsorship system is required. Instead, applicants must demonstrate a longstanding employment relationship (minimum 12 months) with their current employer before applying. The visa is intentionally designed as a temporary route with a six-month duration, allowing domestic workers to maintain employment relationships with internationally mobile employers while visiting the United Kingdom.
Eligibility Criteria and Requirements
Core Applicant Requirements
- •Age: Must be 19 years or older at application time
- •Employment History: Minimum 12 months continuous employment with same employer
- •Residence: Currently living and working outside the UK
- •UK Duration: Plan to stay for maximum six months only
- •Self-Support: Demonstrate financial independence without public funds
Employer Eligibility
Your employer must meet specific criteria:
- •British Citizen: UK national based abroad, visiting for max 6 months
- •Foreign National: International visitor not planning extended UK stay
- •Shared Household: Employer and worker must share same residence
Note: Employers based permanently in UK cannot sponsor domestic worker visas
English Language Requirements
You must demonstrate English proficiency at minimum CEFR B1 level through one of these methods:
Approved Language Tests
- • TOEFL examination (minimum score required)
- • IELTS examination (minimum score required)
- • Cambridge English examinations
- • Other CEFR B1-equivalent qualifications
Academic Exemption
Hold a degree (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) from a UK-recognized institution or equivalent, taught entirely in English and verified by Ecctis.
English Language Exemption Countries:
Citizens of these nations are automatically exempt: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, USA.
Minimum Wage and Employment Conditions
| Worker Age Category | Minimum Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Age 18-20 | £6.83 per hour |
| Age 21-22 | £9.18 per hour |
| Age 23+ | £9.50 per hour |
Employment Rights and Employer Obligations
As a domestic worker in the UK, your employer has specific legal obligations to protect your rights:
- ✓Pay minimum wage as stated above or agreed higher rate
- ✓Provide statutory holiday pay accumulation (typically 5.6 weeks annually)
- ✓Give proper notice before terminating employment as per contract
- ✓Not demand excessive working hours beyond reasonable limits
- ✓Maintain workplace safety and comply with employment law
Complete Documentation Required
Identification & Passport
- • Valid national passport
- • Blank page for UK visa
- • Passport valid for full stay duration
- • Alternative travel documents if applicable
Employment Verification
- • Domestic worker statement (signed by both parties)
- • Employer letter with job title, employment dates, status
- • Employment contract with terms
- • Proof of 12-month continuous employment
Financial & Income Documentation
- • Bank statements or savings evidence
- • Recent payslips showing income
- • Tax payment confirmation
- • Health insurance documentation
Travel and Employment Evidence:
One of the following covering full 12-month employment period:
- • Previous work visas/residence permits for employer's country
- • Passport stamps showing travel history with employer
- • Employer's travel documentation with your name
- • Visa pages or entry/exit records from employer's country of residence
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Access Immigration Website
Visit visas-immigration.service.gov.uk and select Domestic Worker visa option. Create an account for secure application submission. Gather all documentation before starting.
Complete Online Application
Answer all questions thoroughly in English with accurate information. Include employment history, employer details, financial information. Provide honest responses regarding all circumstances.
Upload Supporting Documents
Submit scanned or photographed documents in PNG, JPG, JPEG, or PDF format. Ensure legibility and completeness. The system will prompt required documents during upload process.
Pay Application and Healthcare Fees
Process payment online: Application fee £531 plus Healthcare Surcharge (amount varies). Fees are non-refundable. Keep payment confirmation for reference.
Book Biometric Appointment
Schedule appointment at UKVCAS Visa Application Centre near you. Biometric data collection (fingerprints and photograph) is mandatory. Select convenient date within reasonable timeframe.
Attend Biometric Appointment
Bring original documents and appointment confirmation. Provide fingerprints and photograph. Officers may request additional documents or ask clarifying questions during appointment.
Processing Timeline
Standard Processing (Outside UK)
Approximately 3 weeks from biometric appointment
Extended Timeline
May extend to 4-7 weeks depending on security checks
Priority Services Available
Premium processing options for accelerated decision
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
6 months from approval date
Biometric Residence Permit
Collect upon UK arrival (within 10 days)
Return Requirement
Must depart UK after 6 months; no extension
Visa Fees and Associated Costs
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | £531 |
| Priority Service (5-day decision) | £500 |
| Super Priority Service (next working day) | £800 |
| Standard Total Cost | £531 |
Work Conditions and Restrictions
You Can
- ✓Work in agreed domestic role in employer's household
- ✓Travel outside UK and re-enter with valid visa
- ✓Change employer if continuing as domestic worker
- ✓Reside in same household as employer
You Cannot
- ✗Hold secondary employment outside domestic work
- ✗Access public funds or government benefits
- ✗Live separately from employer household
- ✗Overstay beyond 6-month visa expiration
Extension Limitations
The Domestic Worker visa cannot be extended if you applied after 5 April 2012. Your initial 6-month authorization is final.
If you applied before this date, limited extension rights may apply. Consult immigration advice for your specific circumstances.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
Generally, the Domestic Worker visa does not lead to permanent settlement. ILR cannot be obtained through this visa category for recent applicants.
Applicants with pre-2012 visas may have limited settlement provisions under transitional arrangements.
Essential Information Summary
- →Domestic Worker visa duration: 6 months maximum (no extensions for post-2012 applicants)
- →Requires 12-month minimum employment history with same employer before applying
- →Employer must be British citizen abroad or foreign national temporary visitor
- →Minimum wage requirements: £6.83-£9.50/hour depending on age category
- →Must demonstrate English proficiency at CEFR B1 level or hold exempt qualification
- →Processing: 3 weeks outside UK; total cost £531 base fee