The Overseas Domestic Worker visa UK allows you to come to the UK temporarily and work in specific domestic roles for your employer.
If you need more information about the Overseas Domestic Worker visa UK or expert advice on how to apply, feel free to get in touch with one of our immigration advisers. Call us at 02033939272 or contact us online for personalized support.
This visa enables overseas domestic workers to come to the UK to work temporarily for their employer in a domestic capacity as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, personal care assistants, and nannies. With this visa, one can work in the UK for up to 6 months, but eligibility is given to those who have worked for their employer for one year before applying.
You should be aware that this visa cannot be extended or lead to settlement in the UK if you did not hold a Domestic Worker visa for the UK before 5 April 2012.
To support your application for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa UK, you must prepare and submit specific documents. For a seamless process, it is imperative that you submit accurate and complete documentation.
Here’s what you’ll need:
In order to confirm your employment history, please submit one of the following documents that cover the necessary employment period:
You may improve your chances of having your application accepted by making sure all of your documents are correct and complete.
You must apply online for this visa.
At a Visa Application Centre (VAC) you will be required to give your fingerprints and a picture of the face. Choose the country from the drop-down list where you are present. Your location will be changed to another location if there is no VAC in your country.
If you’re unable to provide biometrics at any center, select one, and you’ll receive instructions on how to proceed.
As part of this application biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required to be captured at a Visa Application Centre.
You may get a quicker decision on your visa or settlement application for a fee.
The Priority Service delivers a decision within 5 working days for most visas or 30 working days for Family Visas. It costs an additional £500.
The Super Priority Service provides a decision on your case at the latest at the end of the next working day at an extra cost of one thousand pounds.
Each family member must pay separately for a faster decision if applicable:
You will be informed later about the decision of the application’s outcome and further actions.
This means that if any extra information is needed it may take longer to make the decision. You will be informed of how to submit such information.
The rules differ if you apply for a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa UK before 5 April 2012, especially if you wish to extend your stay or apply for settlement in the UK.
Be careful to apply before the expiration of your existing stay permit.
To extend your visa, you must meet the following requirements:
To apply for settlement, you must:
To extend your visa, you must apply online. You can include your dependents (partner and children under 18). Any dependent children over 18 will need to apply separately.
To apply for settlement, you must submit your application online. Dependents under 18 can be included in the application. However, your partner must meet the English and life in the UK knowledge requirements. Children over 18 must apply separately.
Once you apply, you will need to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to provide your biometrics (fingerprints and photo). You can submit your documents either online or have them scanned at your UKVCAS appointment.
Do not leave the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man until a decision has been made. If you travel during the application process, your application will be withdrawn.
If you need help completing the online application and face difficulties with computers or internet access, assistance is available. However, this service is only offered to applicants within the UK.
In case your application is complex or requires additional verification, you will be informed if it will take longer.
Once you’ve applied, you can stay in the UK until a decision is made, as long as you applied before your visa expires.
If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa (an online record of your immigration status). The decision email or letter will guide you on how to access your eVisa by creating a UKVI account.
As a worker in the UK, your domestic worker visa sponsoring employer uk is required to:
It’s crucial to agree on your employment terms with your employer, ensuring they are clearly provided to you in writing. Your employer cannot alter these terms without your consent.
If your employer fails to meet these obligations, you have the right to take legal action through an employment tribunal or civil court.
If you decide to return to your home country, you should contact your Embassy or High Commission in the UK for assistance. You can also seek advice from a registered immigration adviser.
Modern slavery and human trafficking involve being coerced into actions, often through threats or harm. This may include forced labor, being paid less than the minimum wage, being married against your will, or being transported to another country involuntarily.
If you are a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, you may be eligible to stay in the UK for up to two years, provided you meet the following criteria:
If you believe you are a victim, you should immediately contact the police or a first responder organisation. These organisations can help refer your case to the SCA, which will assess whether you qualify as a victim. Upon their decision, you will receive a conclusive grounds letter.
Once you receive confirmation that you are a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, you have 28 days to apply to stay in the UK. The application process is completed online, and there are no fees involved.
If you need help using a computer or accessing the internet to complete your application, assistance is available. Please note, however, that this service does not offer advice on eligibility or specific application details.
If you apply for a different type of visa but are refused within 28 days of confirmation of your victim status, you can still submit a new application as a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking.
As a victim, you can work as a domestic worker in the UK for up to two years. You do not need a job offer prior to applying, and you are allowed to change employers during your stay.
Yes, you can extend your visa for 12 months at a time and apply for permanent settlement after 5 years.
You will need a letter from your employer and a completed ‘Appendix Domestic Worker Statement’.
You must apply online within 28 days of receiving a conclusive grounds letter confirming your victim status.
Yes, you can work as a domestic worker for up to 2 years, and you can change employers.
If using the standard service, it takes up to 8 weeks. The super priority service offers a decision by the next working day.
