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Working Holidaymakers

This scheme allows young persons who are either nationals or citizens of certain listed Commonwealth countries, British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas and Territories Citizens, British Nationals (overseas); to come to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday of up to a maximum of 2 years.  During this time they may take work incidental to the holiday. 

Only one period of stay as a WHM is allowed in a lifetime.  There are no applications available to extend this leave to remain.

What are the Requirements for a Working Holidaymaker visa?

  1. Nationality
    As stated above people of certain listed Commonwealth nations, British Overseas Citizens, British Overseas Territories Citizens and British Nationals (overseas) may qualify as WHM’s. The Government has the power to exclude nationals of specified countries from the scheme. The countries currently excluded are Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Namibia, Botswana. This is likely to change from time to time and you should obtain up to date advice or information about whether the country you are from is excluded from the scheme.
  2. Age
    17-30 inclusive at the date of lodging the application.
  3. Family Commitments
    Normally a WHM should be single, widowed or divorced.  Where a person applying to be a WHM is not single, family commitments will be considered.  If a married couple want to come to the UK as WHM’s they both have to qualify in their own right and intend to come to live in the U.K together. Normally those with dependent children who will be 5 years of age or over during any part of the WHM’s stay will not be granted a visa.
  4. Funds/ Support
    The WHM should have funds to pay their outward fare to the UK.  It is not strictly necessary to have the return fare as long as they can reasonably be expected to earn the funds whilst they are in the UK.  WHM’s would normally be expected to have the means to support themselves for at least the first two months after their arrival or one month if they have a job lined up.
  5. Intentions
    A person applying under the WHM scheme should genuinely be coming to the United Kingdom for an extended holiday of 24 months and have the serious intention to leave the UK at the end of the period.  A WHM can apply to extend their stay whilst in the U.K. only if they are applying to stay in another category which allows this. Currently a WHM can switch into work permit employment but this is usually only after being present for 12 months as a WHM and only into work permit employment on the shortage occupation list. WHM’s can also switch into the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or Innovator Programme if they qualify.
  6. Employment
    1. Intention to work
      Work must be incidental and part of the holiday.  The WHM therefore cannot spend more than 12 months of their stay in employment.  WHMs can take most employment of their choice including undertaking voluntary work.
    2. Study
      WHMs can study part-time or for short periods of full time education.

How is the Application made?

An application for Entry Clearance is made to the Embassy or Consulate in the WHM’s own country

Individuals are not allowed to switch to WHM from within the U.K. into other Immigration Categories. Entry Clearance must be obtained.    

What sort of permission to remain in the UK will be given?

A person who has made a valid application as a WHM will be given Entry Clearance (a visa) in this capacity for a period of two years.

Work is limited to a period of 12 months of the total stay.  Working holidaymakers (WHM) are not allowed to engage in any business or provide services as a sports person.