UK Immigration:
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

Overseas Domestic Worker Visa Applications UK – Immigration Solicitors Manchester

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows certain domestic workers who are employed by an overseas employer to accompany their employer when visiting the United Kingdom.

This visa is intended for individuals who work in a private household outside the UK and travel to the UK temporarily with their employer.

At TM Fortis Solicitors, our specialist immigration solicitors provide expert advice and assistance for individuals applying for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, helping ensure that applications meet the requirements of the UK Immigration Rules.

What Is the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows domestic workers employed in a private household overseas to accompany their employer during a visit to the United Kingdom.

The visa allows domestic workers to enter the UK temporarily to continue their employment with their overseas employer during the visit.

This immigration route is commonly used by domestic staff employed by individuals who travel to the UK for business, family visits or holidays.

Who Can Apply for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa?

To qualify for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

Live outside the United Kingdom
Work as a domestic worker in a private household
Have worked for their employer for at least one year before the application
Intend to travel to the UK with their employer

Applicants must also satisfy the general immigration requirements set by the Home Office.

Who Qualifies as a Domestic Worker?

The visa is available to individuals working in a private household as domestic staff.

Domestic workers may include:

Cleaners
Chauffeurs
Cooks
Nannies
Personal care assistants providing care for the employer or their family

The employment must be within a private household, rather than a commercial organisation or business.

When to Apply

Applicants can apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa up to three months before the date of travel to the United Kingdom.

Applications must normally be made from outside the UK.

Visa Application Fees

The current Home Office application fee for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa is £682.

Applicants should also consider additional costs, such as:

Biometric appointment fees (if applicable)
Document preparation costs

Applicants should check the latest Home Office guidance for updated fee information.

Processing Times

After submitting the application and providing biometric information, applicants will usually receive a decision within:

Approximately three weeks if applying from outside the UK

Priority services may be available in some countries for faster processing.

How Long You Can Stay in the UK

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa allows applicants to stay in the United Kingdom for up to six months.

Domestic workers must leave the UK before the visa expires.

This visa is designed for temporary visits only and does not provide a pathway to long-term residence.

Can the Visa Be Extended?

The Overseas Domestic Worker Visa cannot normally be extended.

However, individuals who were granted a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa before 5 April 2012 may still be able to apply for an extension under the older immigration rules.

What You Can Do With This Visa

If granted an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, you may:

Work as a domestic worker in a private household
Travel in and out of the UK during your stay
Change employer to another private household during your stay (provided you remain within the six-month limit)

All employment must remain within the domestic worker role.

Restrictions Under the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

Visa holders must comply with certain restrictions.

You cannot:

Work in roles other than domestic work in a private household
Access public funds or benefits
Stay in the UK longer than six months
Live in the UK through frequent or repeated visits

This visa is intended only for short-term domestic employment during a visit to the UK.

Evidence Required for an Overseas Domestic Worker Visa

Applicants must provide supporting documentation demonstrating that they meet the visa requirements.

Supporting evidence may include:

Passport or travel documents
Proof of employment as a domestic worker
Evidence showing that the applicant has worked for the employer for at least 12 months
Details of the employer’s visit to the UK
Employment contract or letter confirming the domestic worker’s role

Providing clear and accurate documentation is essential for a successful visa application.