Question 1

What is the duration of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months. This duration is fixed and cannot be extended. It is essential to plan your stay and departure accordingly to comply with UK immigration rules.

Question 2

What is the primary purpose of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa is designed for individuals employed as domestic workers in private households who wish to accompany their employer to the UK for short stays, typically up to six months. This visa allows domestic workers such as personal assistants, nannies, housekeepers, and cooks to retain their job security while experiencing the UK alongside their employers.

Question 3

Do I need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a job offer from a UK employer. Instead, you must have been employed by your current employer outside the UK for at least 12 months prior to your application. This visa is meant for those accompanying their employer to the UK.

Question 4

What are the employment history requirements for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must have been employed by the same employer they intend to accompany to the UK for at least 12 months prior to the application. This employment should be continuous and can be verified through employment contracts and payment records.

Question 5

What kind of evidence is required to prove my employment history?

Accepted Answer

You must provide evidence of at least 12 months of employment with the same employer. This can include payslips, employment contracts, or a letter from your employer confirming your role and duration of employment in their household.

Question 6

Is there a specific salary requirement for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

There is no fixed minimum salary requirement for this visa. However, the applicant must demonstrate they will receive a fair wage for the work they perform in the UK. This can be shown through previous payslips and a letter from the employer confirming the rate of pay.

Question 7

Can I apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if I plan to settle in the UK permanently?

Accepted Answer

No, this visa is not intended for those who wish to settle permanently in the UK. It is a short-term visa allowing you to accompany your employer for up to 6 months, with no pathway to settlement under this visa category.

Question 8

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must provide recent bank statements showing regular income and a sufficient balance to cover costs during their stay in the UK. These documents should demonstrate that they can support themselves without recourse to public funds.

Question 9

What roles are considered eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

Eligible roles include personal assistants, chauffeurs, cooks, and nannies employed in a private household. It's essential that your employment is within your employer's household and not in a commercial setting.

Question 10

Are there any educational qualifications needed for this visa?

Accepted Answer

There are no specific educational requirements for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa. However, applicants should have adequate experience to perform their domestic duties, which can be demonstrated through references and employment history documentation.

Question 11

How much money do I need to show for maintenance funds?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific amount required, but you must demonstrate you can support yourself without public funds. This can be done through personal bank statements or a letter from your employer stating they'll cover your expenses.

Question 12

Do I need to pass an English language test for this visa?

Accepted Answer

There are no English language requirements for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa. However, having basic English proficiency may facilitate communication with UK authorities and in daily activities.

Question 13

What should my employer's status be to qualify for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Your employer must either be a UK resident or someone who intends to visit the UK. They need to demonstrate a legitimate need for your services during their stay in the UK.

Question 14

How do I fulfill the character and criminal record check requirement?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must submit a criminal record certificate from any country where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years if they are over 18 years old. This ensures they meet the character and criminal record checks required for the visa.

Question 15

Can I travel separately from my employer to the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, you must travel to the UK with your employer. The visa condition requires that you accompany your employer, implying simultaneous travel arrangements.

Question 16

Can this visa lead to settlement in the UK?

Accepted Answer

No, the Overseas Domestic Worker visa does not lead to settlement in the UK. It is intended for temporary stays alongside an employer and does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.

Question 17

What happens if my employer leaves the UK before my visa expires?

Accepted Answer

If your employer leaves the UK before your visa expires, you are expected to leave as well since your visa is contingent upon accompanying your employer. Staying longer could affect future visa applications.

Question 18

What is the typical processing time for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa can vary, but it typically takes around 3 weeks from the date of application submission. It's advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.

Question 19

Are there any criminal record checks required for this visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to provide a clean criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for at least 12 months in the past 10 years. This is to ensure you meet the character requirements for the visa.

Question 20

What are the costs associated with applying for this visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa is £531. Additionally, applicants may incur costs for obtaining the necessary documents, such as criminal record certificates and bank statement copies.

Question 21

What is the cost of applying for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

As of the latest update, the application fee for this visa is £531. It is advisable to check the official UK government website for the most current fees as they are subject to change.

Question 22

Can I extend my stay in the UK under this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, the Overseas Domestic Worker visa is not extendable. It allows for a maximum stay of six months in the UK, after which the visa holder must leave the country.

Question 23

Can I switch to another visa category while in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot switch to another visa category while in the UK on an Overseas Domestic Worker visa. If you wish to apply for a different type of visa, you must leave the UK and apply from your home country.

Question 24

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may be able to apply for an administrative review if you believe an error was made in processing your application. It is advisable to seek legal advice to understand your options.

Question 25

What if I want to change employers while on this visa?

Accepted Answer

You cannot change employers while in the UK on this visa. The visa is tied to the specific employer you accompany to the UK, and any change of employment would require you to leave the UK.

Question 26

What happens if I lose my job while in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

If you lose your job while in the UK on an Overseas Domestic Worker visa, you must leave the UK as the visa is tied to employment with a specific employer. Remaining in the UK without employment breaches visa conditions.

Question 27

How long does it take to process the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Accepted Answer

The standard processing time is usually 3 weeks from the date of your application. However, it is advisable to apply well in advance to accommodate any potential delays.

Question 28

Can I bring family members with me under this visa?

Accepted Answer

No, the Overseas Domestic Worker visa does not allow for dependents or family members to accompany the visa holder to the UK. Each individual must apply for their own visa if they wish to travel.

Question 29

What documents are required for the visa application?

Accepted Answer

You need a valid passport, evidence of your employment relationship with your employer (such as contracts and payslips), proof of maintenance funds, a clean criminal record certificate, and your employer's travel itinerary indicating your accompanying status.

Question 30

What kind of work can I perform in the UK on this visa?

Accepted Answer

Visa holders can perform full-time domestic work duties for their employer, including roles such as personal assistants, nannies, housekeepers, and cooks. The work must be within the employer's household in the UK.

Overseas Domestic Worker visa FAQ

Featured Questions

What is the duration of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?General00

What is the duration of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

What is the primary purpose of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?General0

What is the primary purpose of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Eligibility Questions

What roles are considered eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?00

What roles are considered eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

What should my employer's status be to qualify for this visa?0

What should my employer's status be to qualify for this visa?

Application Process Questions

Do I need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa?00

Do I need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa?

Can I apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if I plan to settle in the UK permanently?0

Can I apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if I plan to settle in the UK permanently?

Documents Questions

What kind of evidence is required to prove my employment history?00

What kind of evidence is required to prove my employment history?

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds?0

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds?

Costs Questions

What are the costs associated with applying for this visa?00

What are the costs associated with applying for this visa?

What is the cost of applying for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?0

What is the cost of applying for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Timeline Questions

What is the typical processing time for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa application?00

What is the typical processing time for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa application?

How long does it take to process the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?0

How long does it take to process the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

General Questions

What is the duration of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?00

What is the duration of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

What is the primary purpose of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?0

What is the primary purpose of the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Quick Facts

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Do I need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa?Application Process00

Do I need a job offer from a UK employer to apply for this visa?

What are the employment history requirements for this visa?General00

What are the employment history requirements for this visa?

What kind of evidence is required to prove my employment history?Documents00

What kind of evidence is required to prove my employment history?

Is there a specific salary requirement for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?General00

Is there a specific salary requirement for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Can I apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if I plan to settle in the UK permanently?Application Process00

Can I apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa if I plan to settle in the UK permanently?

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds?Documents00

What financial documents are needed to prove sufficient funds?

What roles are considered eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?Eligibility00

What roles are considered eligible for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Are there any educational qualifications needed for this visa?General00

Are there any educational qualifications needed for this visa?

What should I do if my visa application is refused?00

What should I do if my visa application is refused?

What documents are required for the visa application?00

What documents are required for the visa application?

What are the employment history requirements for this visa?00

What are the employment history requirements for this visa?

Is there a specific salary requirement for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?00

Is there a specific salary requirement for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa?

Are there any educational qualifications needed for this visa?00

Are there any educational qualifications needed for this visa?

How much money do I need to show for maintenance funds?00

How much money do I need to show for maintenance funds?

Do I need to pass an English language test for this visa?00

Do I need to pass an English language test for this visa?

How do I fulfill the character and criminal record check requirement?00

How do I fulfill the character and criminal record check requirement?

Can I travel separately from my employer to the UK?00

Can I travel separately from my employer to the UK?

Can this visa lead to settlement in the UK?00

Can this visa lead to settlement in the UK?

What happens if my employer leaves the UK before my visa expires?00

What happens if my employer leaves the UK before my visa expires?

Are there any criminal record checks required for this visa?00