Working Holidaymaker Visas
A UK Working Holidaymaker Visa will allow you to travel to the UK for an extended holiday of up to two years. It is necessary to get Entry Clearance as a Working Holidaymaker at the British High Commission before you travel to the UK. Once your visa has been issued there will be an endorsement in your passport which grants you leave to enter the UK.
The Working Holiday Visa provides you with a great opportunity to travel throughout the UK. This visa cannot be issued more than once. You must be between the ages of 17 and 30 inclusive to qualify. You may have to show your travel plans before the visa can be issued.
The visa is popular with nationals of Commonwealth countries. To qualify you must be a Commonwealth citizen, except for Lesotho, or a British Overseas Citizen; a British Overseas Territories Citizen; or a British National (Overseas).
You must show that you are able to support yourself financially and provide your own accommodation without relying on public funds to qualify. You must not have dependent children over five or who will attain the age of five while you are on the two year working holiday.
You should also be single, or be married to someone who is also eligible and planning to travel with you on a working holiday visa.
During the two year period you can travel in and out of the UK. All the time spent outside the UK will also count as part of the two year working holiday visa.
Working
You will be able to take paid work incidental to your holiday during your stay in the UK, to help with travel expenses. During the holiday, you can take on work which is incidental to your holiday.
You are not allowed to work as a professional sportsperson. You are not allowed to set up your own business or run a business in the UK.
Throughout the two year period, you are only allowed to work for a maximum period of 12 months. You can decide when you want to work and when you wish to take your breaks.
Stay longer
If at the end of the working holiday you wish to stay in the UK, you can extend your visa for up to six months as a Visitor. You will not be able to work in the UK as a visitor.
You may even be able to switch to a UK Work Permit, without leaving the UK. This option is only available for occupations on the Skills Shortage List for those who have been in the UK for at least one year. If your occupation is not on the list, you may still qualify for a work permit, but you will need to leave the UK before changing your visa.
If you are prepared to leave the UK there are a few visa categories that you may qualify to return under. You can return with a Tier 1 Visa, a Student Visa, or a Work Permit.
Visa Service
It is crucial that you have all the relevant documentation that proves you fulfil all the criteria. You may be invited for an interview before the visa can be approved. If you would like further information and personal advice on Working Holidaymaker Visas, please complete our simple query form.
