What is the Start-up visa?

This category is for people seeking to establish a business in the UK for the first time. Applicants will have an innovative,viable and scalable business idea which is supported by an endorsing body. This category offers leave for 2 years and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK,but applicants may progress into the Innovator category.

What happens once the Start-up visa application is approved?

Successful applicants will be granted permission to live in the UK in this category for two years,the maximum period of leave in this category. They will then be expected to move into the Innovator category.

UK Domestic Worker Visa

The UK Domestic Worker visa is for individuals who wish to come to the UK to work for their overseas employer as part of a private household.

What is a UK Domestic Worker visa?

A Domestic Worker visa, also known as an Overseas Domestic Worker visa, is a visa which allows overseas employers to bring their domestic staff with them to the UK. It is typically used for the household staff of an overseas individual, such as their private nannies, personal carers, cleaners, chefs, and protection staff.

The Domestic Worker visa is a short-term visa which will be granted for a maximum of six months. Both the domestic worker and the overseas employer must not intend to stay in the UK for more than six months.

What are the requirements for a Domestic Worker visa?

An Overseas Domestic Worker visa allows an individual to travel to the UK with their employer for work. Their employer must be one of the following:

The applicant’s British employer, their employer’s British spouse, civil partner, or child under the age of 18, where their employer usually resides outside the UK.
The applicant’s British employer’s non-British spouse, civil partner, or child under the age of 18.
The applicant’s non-British employer or employer’s spouse, civil partner, or child under the age of 18, where they are entering the UK on a visitor visa (except for short term study).

An applicant must also demonstrate the following requirements to qualify for a Domestic Worker visa:

they are aged 19 or over;
they have been employed as a domestic worker and have lived with their employer for 12 months or more;
they must provide a letter from their employer confirming their employment;
they must provide evidence of their employment;
they have agreed in writing to their employment in the UK;
they will be paid at least the National Minimum Wage whilst in the UK;
they intend to work for their employer whilst in the UK;
they will stay no longer than six months and will not make the UK their main home; and
they can adequately maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds.

UK employment rights

The overseas employer must be mindful of UK employment rights when bringing their domestic workers to the UK. The worker will only be allowed to work as a domestic worker in a private household and cannot undertake other work in the UK.

The worker must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage and both the applicant and employer must agree to a written employment contract; the form for this is set out under Appendix Domestic Worker Statement in the Immigration Rules.

How to apply for a Domestic Worker visa

If an overseas employer is planning to travel to the UK and bring members of their household staff with them, the overseas domestic worker must apply for and obtain entry clearance before they can travel to the UK. Applicants will need to apply from outside the UK and can apply up to three months before their intended date of travel.

How our Immigration Solicitors can help

Our immigration solicitors are specialists in advising employers and individuals on their options for working in the UK. We provide support tailored to your individual needs when advising on the options available to you.

If you require assistance in applying for a Domestic Worker visa for a member of your household staff, or if you would just like to discuss your situation with one of our solicitors on a no-obligation basis, please contact us or complete the enquiry form below.

More Domestic Worker visa FAQs

Can you extend an Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

This visa cannot usually be extended. Applicants can apply for a further Domestic Worker visa from overseas, however, they would need to mindful not to use this visa type to live in the UK or make the UK their main home.

Can you apply for settlement on a Domestic Worker visa?

Under the current rules, applicants cannot stay in the UK for longer than six months. Individuals who applied for a Domestic Worker in a private household visa prior to 5 April 2012 can benefit from more generous rules which may lead to settlement.

What is the processing time for an Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Applicants should receive a decision within three weeks. UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) often experience delays which can result in longer visa processing times. We recommend contacting us for advice on current visa processing times.