Official UK Government Updates
For accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official UK Government source:
Core Eligibility
To qualify for this visa, you must meet several strict requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 19 years old.
- Employment History: You must have worked for your employer for at least one year immediately before applying.
- Living Arrangements: You must have lived with your employer, or in a household they regularly use, for at least one year.
- Domestic Role: Your job must be as a cleaner, chauffeur, cook, nanny, or provide personal care for the employer and their family.
- Employer Status: Your employer must be a British citizen (usually living abroad), or a foreign national visiting the UK on a visitor visa.
2026 Pay and Conditions
Under UK law, your employer must pay you at least the National Minimum Wage for every hour you work while in the UK.
| Date | Age 21+ (National Living Wage) | Age 18–20 |
| Current (until March 31, 2026) | £12.21 per hour | £10.00 per hour |
| From April 1, 2026 | £12.71 per hour | £10.85 per hour |
- Written Agreement: You must have a signed contract that meets UK employment standards.
- Passport Safety: It is illegal for an employer to withhold your passport or identity documents.
- Freedom of Movement: You have the right to leave your employment at any time, though leaving your employer may invalidate your visa.
2026 Costs and Duration
- Application Fee: The fee is currently £682.
- Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): As this is a 6-month visa, you are generally exempt from paying the IHS, but you should have private medical insurance as you will not have free access to the NHS.
- Length of Stay: You can stay for a maximum of 6 months. You must leave when your employer leaves or when your visa expires, whichever comes first.
Rights and Restrictions
- No Dependants: You cannot bring your partner or children with you on this visa.
- No Extensions: This visa cannot be extended beyond the initial 6 months.
- Changing Employers: You can change to a different employer only if they are also a domestic worker in a private household, but you still must leave the UK within your original 6-month limit.
- No Settlement: Time spent on this visa does not count toward permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
- No Public Funds: You cannot claim any UK government benefits or housing assistance.
Modern Slavery Protections
The UK has specific protections for domestic workers. If you are being mistreated, forced to work excessive hours, or not being paid the agreed wage, you can report this to the authorities without fear of immediate deportation. Confirmed victims of exploitation may be granted a stay of stay under the National Referral Mechanism.
Overseas Domestic Worker Visa
Professional guidance to secure your Overseas Domestic Worker visa smoothly and ensure compliance with UK employment laws.
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Important Information Regarding Our Fees
Service Fees: Our quotes are for professional consulting only and exclude Home Office fees, IHS, biometrics, and third-party costs.
Estimated Quotes: Prices shown are indicative. Final fees depend on case complexity, urgency, and the specific scale of your documentation.
Disclaimer: All prices mentioned are exclusive of VAT.
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