Domestic workers who wish to visit the UK with their employer can apply to the Home Office for a Domestic Worker visa to be able to work in a private household. This visa is available for workers from outside the EEA and Switzerland who have worked for their employer for at least one year and are required to accompany their employer on their visit to the UK for up to 6 months.
Domestic Workers can apply for a UK Visa to work in private households.Who can apply for a Domestic Worker Visa
The Domestic Worker Visa application is available for domestic workers in private households who wish to visit the UK with their employer. The list of domestic workers can be found on the Home Office website and includes:
- cleaners
- chauffeurs
- cooks
- those providing personal care for the employer and their family
- nannies
UK Home Office Requirements for a Domestic Worker Visa
In order to qualify for a Domestic Worker Visa you will need to be a domestic worker in a private household and have worked for your employer for at least one year. The application can be submitted by applicants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who meet the eligibility criteria. Amongst the requirements, that would need to be met, you must provide evidence that you:
- are between 18 and 65 years old
- plan to travel to the UK with your employer, their partner or children
- work in the same household as your employer or one they use regularly
- intend to work as a full-time domestic worker in a UK household your employer will live in
- plan to leave the UK at the end of 6 months or at the same time as your employer, whichever is sooner
- are able to support yourself in the UK without the need for public funds
To ensure your application is processed without delay, you should ensure you provide all of the necessary documents which show how you have met the above requirements.
Not submitting important documents or failing to highlight them can result in the application being rejected and having to start again and pay further Home Office fees. It is often better to instruct immigration lawyers to assist you with your application.
UK Home Office Requirements for an Employer of a Domestic Worker
Your employer must be either a British or EEA national who usually lives outside the UK and does not intend to remain in the UK for more than six months. They might also be a foreign national coming to the UK on a visit visa, as long as they don’t intend to remain in the UK for more than six months.
Both you and your employer must comply with the Immigration Rules. You may lose your visa if your employer breaks any of the Immigration Rules. You will also need to be paid the national minimum wage and not be forced to work excessive hours. Your employer should give you agreed pay and give you the notice you’re entitled to if your employment ends.
How to apply for a Domestic Worker Visa
The process involves filling out the Home Office’s online form and then preparing and submitting a bundle of supporting documents to the Home Office for consideration by a caseworker.
You will need to provide evidence that you can support yourself during the trip, details of where you’ll be staying and your return travel booking. You will also need to provide information about your job and employer. The Home Office (UKVI) has set out specific documentary evidence you are required to provide with your application. It is important to ensure you have the correct documents in support of your application to avoid delays and ensure your application is successful.
Using Legal Representation to Apply for a Domestic Worker Visa
Legal representatives, such as our specialist immigration lawyers, are qualified to advise you on immigration law and your immigration status. It is possible to instruct a legal representative to submit a Domestic Worker Visa application.
Caseworkers at the Home Office are trained to reject applications which are improperly prepared for example by failing to provide the correct supporting evidence. In order to ensure your application succeeds, all necessary documents must be provided.
This can be a significant administrative task and you will need to submit the correct documentary evidence. The UK Immigration Rules are complex and a legal representative can help ensure that your application meets the Immigration Rules.
Successful Domestic Worker Visa Applications
Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in your best interest. We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of your immigration status and the merit of your applications before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. We can assist you with the preparation of your immigration or visa application and ensure that you meet all the requirements of the relevant rules.
We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. We are minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.
Preparation is the key to successful immigration applications. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and arrange your legal consultation.