There is a UK visa for overseas domestic workers, first introduced in 2002. Although the immigration rules do not define “domestic workers”, the route is typically used by nannies, cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, personal carers and protection staff. The domestic worker route has undergone a number of changes over the years, the most significant of which came in 2012. Domestic helpers who came to the UK under this route before April 2012 were able to apply for extensions of stay and settlement. That is no longer the case: the visa is only valid for six months at a time (although those still in the UK on the pre-2012 route can continue to make extension/settlement applications).

Core requirements for a domestic worker visa

There are four core requirements:

1. the domestic worker must be at least 19 years old;
2. the domestic worker must have already worked for their employer for at least a year before a visa can be applied for;
3. they must not intend to stay in the UK for more than six months; and
4. they must be coming to the UK with an employer who also does not intend to remain in the UK for more than six months.

If these core requirements are not met, an application for a domestic worker visa cannot succeed.