Working Holiday For Commonwealth

What is the working holidaymaker scheme?

The working holidaymaker scheme is an arrangement whereby a person aged between 17 and 30 (inclusive) can come to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday for up to two years, with the intention of taking paid work here as a part of his working holiday.
How do I qualify as a working holidaymaker?

The basic requirements for the visa are:

1. You are a national of a Commonwealth country.

2. You need to obtain entry clearance from a British High Commission/embassy before arriving.

3. You are aged between 17 and 30. You can be 30 when you land in the UK.

4. Be able to return to your home country at the end of your stay. Proven funds must be available for a return air ticket or, preferably, an actual return-ticket is presented.

5. Have enough money to support yourself for the duration of your intended stay (usually £2,000).

The rules are:

1. You can apply for another visa from within the shores of the UK, such as a work permit.

2. You are single or are married to a person who also qualifies for and plans to take a working holiday at the same time as you.

3. You do not have any dependent children who are aged five years or over, or who will be five before you complete your holiday

4. You will not make use of public funds i.e., sign up for the dole, housing assistance, etc.

5. You will pay the relevant taxes on your earnings.

6. You have not been granted a working holiday visa before.

7. You will abide by British laws.

8. You will return to your home country once the visa has expired.

9. You can switch to another visa whilst within the UK. (This was not possible until August 2003.)

Two Years in the UK

Key Facts:

• You can spend up to two years in the UK as a working holidaymaker. This two year period starts as soon as you enter the UK on this status and will last exactly two years. For example, if you enter the UK for six months and then decide to spend the following one and half years outside the UK you will have used up your two years as a working holidaymaker.
• If after spending two years in the UK you may be in a position to stay longer. There are many working holidaymakers who remain in the UK on an UK work permit, on the basis of marriage, as an unmarried partner, as a student, etc.
  If you are an employer looking to hire working holidaymakers or if you are a working holidaymaker looking for work, you may try the workpermit.com Employment Center.
  

Working in the UK

There were major changes to the working holidaymaker category in June 2003. You can now take on any type of work in the UK. Previously, you were only supposed to work half of the time during the two years and only in quite low level jobs.

Key Facts:

• You can now take on any type of work in the UK.
• You can take on any part-time or full-time job.
• You should take a holiday at some point during the two year period. If you are an employee under employment law you will have to take a holiday anyway!
• You can switch to being a work permit holder after one year in the UK. However, you should note that work permits are normally only issued for high level jobs and where the employer can show that there is a shortage of people to fill the vacancy.
  

Visa Requirements

Key Facts:

• You must apply for a visa at your local British Embassy or Consulate. You cannot apply to remain as a working holiday maker from within the UK.
• You will have to meet the particular requirements at the British Embassy or Consulate. It has in the past been the case that it has been easier to gain entry in a Country with a high average standard of living. It remains to be seen if following the changes in 2003 there will be more working holidaymaker applications from people in poorer Countries.
• If your visa is granted there will be an endorsement in your passport granting you leave to enter the UK. This is called an entry clearance certificate. You can request that this visa is valid for up to three months.
• It is unlikely that you will be refused entry to the UK if the visa is issued. Normally, people are refused entry if you have made false statements when you made your application or failed to disclose important facts in your application. It is also possible that the application will be refused if your circumstances have changed since you made the application.
• It is probably a good idea to have a copy of your visa application with you in your hand luggage when you arrive in the UK in case you are questioned by an immigration officer.
  

Visa Application Procedures

Key Facts

• The procedures will vary depending on where you apply. You should check with the relevant UK Embassy or Consulate. Generally the following will be needed:
• You will need to complete form VAF1 the non-settlement visa form. If you have young children that meet the requirements for entry these can be included in the same form.
• If you have a spouse/partner who wishes to apply and meets the requirements he/she should also complete the VAF-1 form.
• You should have a valid passport or travel document.
• You will need to provide 2 or three passport photographs depending on the Country where you apply.
• You should pay the visa fee which is non-refundable and is normally paid in the local currency. The particular British Embassy or Consulate will have further details of this.
• You may or may not be asked for interview. This will depend on the practice at the relevant British Embassy or Consulate or on your particular circumstances.
• You may be asked for information about your financial position. This could be evidence of money in a bank account, etc.
• You may be asked for evidence that you have made firm travel plans. For example, evidence that you have deposited money with a travel agent.