Visa for Domestic Workers
If you your employer wants to visit the UK and you want to work in his private household, you will have to apply for a visa for a domestic worker in a private household. Of course your employer will need a visa too, unless he is British or an EEA national. You should make your application at least 3 months before you plan to travel to the UK. The visa will cost you £278.
Domestic workers include:
- Cleaners
- Chauffeurs
- Cooks
- Those providing personal care for the employer and their family
- Nannies
Conditions
The conditions you need to comply with are:
- You will be working full-time as a domestic worker in a private household;
- You have been working for your employer for at least one year;
- You are from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland;
- You are between 18 and 65 years old;
- You are able to support yourself, as you will not receive public funds;
- You have to keep working for your employer and your job must remain the same;
- You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language, unless you are a national of a country where English is spoken.
How long can you stay
The maximum term you can stay in the UK is 6 months; however, if your employer leaves sooner, you will have to return home too.
Employment rights
Working in the UK, you will have the following employment rights:
- You must be paid at least the national minimum wage;
- You may not be forced to work excessive hours;
- You must be given agreed holiday pay;
- You must be given the legal notice if your employment ends.
These employment conditions should be agreed upon with your employer and you must have received a copy of the agreement. It cannot be changed without your permission. In case your employer would violate the agreement, you will be able to take action through an employment tribunal or civil court.
How to apply
You must apply online through the following website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa
Unless you are from North Korea or Cuba, in which case you will have to apply in person. You can download the form on the Home Office website.
If you want to extend your working visa, you must be in the UK and you must apply before your current visa (for less than 6 months) expires.
Documents you must provide
You will need the following documents: (in English, if not: certified translation)
- Current passport or other valid travel identification;
- 2 passport sized coloured photographs;
- Proof you can support yourself during the trip;
- Details of where you will be staying and your return travel booking;
- Letter from your employer that you have worked for him for at least one year;
- Terms and conditions of your employment (signed by you and your employer).
You may need to provide other documents, depending on the situation.