International citizens can now get a nanny job with a visa sponsorship as domestic workers. However, applicants must already have a work offer from an employer located in the UK to submit an application for this document.
The Domestic Worker Visa is an ideal choice for firms who wish to engage foreign nationals as domestic workers. Nanny, housekeeper, chef, and chauffeur are among the jobs it covers.
The skilled worker visa can be used to extend the visa in the future if the employee qualifies. Notice that we do not assist individual candidates or place people in jobs; this material is intended only for employers.
What Is the UK Nanny Visa?
The UK Nanny Visa, also known as the Domestic Worker Visa, is intended for persons who already have a job offer and want to work as domestic workers in the UK.
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- They live outside the UK.
- They work as a domestic worker in a private household.
- They have been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months.
- They meet other eligibility requirements.
The visa covers roles such as:
- Nannies
- Cleaners
- Cooks
- Chauffeurs
- Personal caregivers for the employer or their family
Under this visa, workers can:
- Travel to and from the UK for up to 6 months
- Change employers within the UK but only in domestic worker positions
However, workers cannot:
- Take on jobs outside domestic work in private households
- Access public funds
- Stay in the UK longer than 6 months on this visa
How Much Does the UK Nanny Visa Cost?
£637 is the application fee for the UK Domestic Worker Visa. Those who are accepted can spend up to six months in the UK.
Under normal conditions, the visa cannot be extended, and upon the expiration of the period, workers will have to return home.
The visa application process should be started up to three months in advance of the intended trip, and a decision is typically made in three weeks.
Can Nannies Be Sponsored Through the Skilled Worker Visa?
If a nanny intends to remain in the UK for a period longer than six months, they might be entitled to convert to a skilled worker visa.
Nannies and au pairs are included in the 6116 acceptable occupation code for this visa. With this visa, you can stay longer and even apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.
The employer needs to obtain a sponsor license to apply, something many private families lack. For charities and small enterprises, a sponsor license costs £536; for larger organizations, it costs £1,476.
It’s important to note that once nannies arrive in the UK, they cannot change from a Domestic Worker Visa to a Skilled Workers Visa.
UK Nanny Visa Requirements
There are two visa options available for overseas nannies in the UK:
1. Overseas Domestic Worker Visa Requirements
Most nannies will apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa. The requirements for this visa include:
- Applicants must be 19 years or older.
- They must have worked for their employer for at least 12 months.
- They need to work in the same household as their employer or in a regularly used household.
- They must travel to the UK with their employer.
- Applicants need to work full-time as a domestic worker in the UK household.
- They must leave the UK at the end of the 6-month visa.
- They need to have enough funds to support themselves during their stay.
- The employer must pay them at least the UK minimum wage: £8.60 per hour for those aged 18-20 and £11.44 per hour for those aged 21 and older.
Applicants must also provide proof from their employer, including:
- Evidence that the employer is either a British citizen residing outside of the UK or a foreign national visiting the UK for no longer than 6 months.
- Documentation proving the work conditions and ensuring that the employer pays the minimum wage and provides appropriate working hours, holiday pay, and sufficient notice if employment ends.
2. Skilled Worker Visa Requirements for Nannies
For those seeking an extended stay in the UK, the Skilled Worker Visa offers a more long-term solution. Requirements include:
- The applicant must have a Certificate of Sponsorship from an employer who holds a valid sponsor license.
- The job must be as a nanny, childminder, au pair, or childcare assistant.
- Applicants must earn at least £30,960 per year or £11.44 per hour (the higher of the two).
- If the applicant is under 26, they can earn 70% of this amount, which equals £21,692 annually.
- They must be able to read, write, and speak English at a B1 level or higher (according to the CEFR standard).
- Applicants need at least £1,270 in their bank account for 28 days before applying.
How to Get a Nanny Job with a Visa Sponsorship
To apply for the Overseas Domestic Worker Visa, applicants need to follow these steps:
- Gather Documents: Collect all the required paperwork, including employer information.
- Submit Application: Complete the online application, ideally up to 3 months before your intended travel date.
- Pay Visa Fee: The visa application costs £637.
- Attend a Biometrics Appointment: Visit the nearest UK Visa Application Center to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photos).
- Submit Supporting Documents: Upload any required documents to the UK Home Office.
The processing time usually takes around 3 weeks. Applicants may pay an additional £500 for a priority service (5 working days) or £1,000 for super-priority processing (1 working day), depending on location.
What Documents Are Required?
Applicants need to provide the following documents when applying for the visa:
- A valid passport or travel ID
- Proof of funds (bank statements, payslips)
- A completed ‘Appendix Domestic Worker Statement’ signed by both the applicant and the employer
- A letter from the employer confirming the job title and employment details
- A blank passport page for the visa
Additional documents may be requested based on specific circumstances, and any documents not in English or Welsh must be provided in a certified translation.
Nanny Visa Validity Period
Employees are permitted to stay in the UK for a maximum of six months with a domestic worker visa. The nanny has to depart the country when the employer does. This visa cannot be renewed for more than six months.
The Skilled Worker Visa, on the other hand, permits nannies to remain for a maximum of five years, with the potential of an extension. The nanny might be qualified for Indefinite Leave to Remain after five years.
Conclusion
Foreign domestic workers, especially nannies, have a great opportunity to work temporarily in the UK under the Domestic Worker Visa thanks to the UK Nanny Visa.
It permits employees to support their employers for a maximum of six months and has explicit rules and procedures.
The lengthy road and opportunity for indefinite leave provided by the Skilled Worker Visa are ideal for individuals who require a lengthier stay. Employers need to make sure that all requirements are met and that the proper visa procedures are followed.
These choices offer adaptable means of bringing in skilled domestic workers into the UK if you’re looking to recruit a nanny from overseas.