The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows individuals to come to the UK to work in specific domestic roles. In this guide, we’ll explore the eligibility criteria, application process, and necessary documentation for this visa.
Overview of the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
Although it may not be the most common worker visa option, the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa enables individuals to work for their employers in the UK. Also known as the “Domestic Helper Visa,” this route is primarily used by those employed in domestic roles within private households.
Who Can Apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?
To be eligible for this visa, you must be working in a private household. Common positions that qualify include:
- Cleaner
- Cook
- Nanny
- Gardener
- Housekeeper
- Chauffeur
Essential Documents for Your Application
To support your visa application, you will need to submit a variety of documents, including:
- Your current passport
- Proof of your ability to support yourself (e.g., bank statements or payslips)
- A letter from your employer confirming your job title, length of employment, and status as a permanent employee
- A completed ‘Appendix Domestic Worker Statement’ signed by both you and your employer
Additionally, provide one of the following documents related to your employment:
- Proof of salary payment (e.g., payslips or bank statements)
- Employment contract
- Confirmation of tax payments
- Evidence of health insurance coverage
- Work visa, residence permit, or equivalent passport endorsement for the country where you are currently employed
- Visas or passport endorsements if you have previously traveled with your employer
Requirements for the Domestic Worker Visa Application
Alongside working in a domestic role, you must also meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 19 years old
- Reside outside the UK
- Have worked for your employer for a minimum of one year
- Intend to work full-time in the UK household where your employer will reside
- Plan to accompany your employer, their spouse, or their children to the UK
- Commit to leaving the UK after six months
- Be able to support yourself without relying on public funds
- Earn at least the minimum wage from your employer
Your employer must also meet specific requirements:
- They must be a British citizen living outside the UK who does not intend to stay in the UK for more than six months, or they must be a foreign citizen visiting the UK for less than six months.
Fees and Processing Times
To obtain an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, you will need to pay a fee of £637. You can apply up to three months before your intended travel date, with an application processing time of approximately three weeks. If you prefer expedited processing, you can pay an additional fee for your application to be processed within five working days. Be aware that processing times may vary during periods of high application volume at the Home Office.
Can I Bring Dependents?
Unfortunately, you cannot bring dependents on the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, as the duration of the visa is not long enough to make this feasible.
Conclusion
The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa provides an opportunity for individuals to work in the UK in various domestic roles. By understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation needed, and application process, you can navigate your journey to securing this visa more effectively.
