Working Holidaymaker Scheme

The Working Holidaymaker Scheme is an arrangement, where Commonwealth citizens between the ages of 17 and 30 can come to the UK for an extended holiday of up to two years. You are able to take employment but this should be incidental. The holiday should be the main reason for your stay.

How do I Qualify?

To qualify and obtain a Working Holidaymaker visa you must be able to show that you:

• are a Commonwealth citizen, a British Overseas Territories citizen, a British Overseas citizen or a British National (Overseas)
• are aged between 17 and 30
• want to come to the UK for an extended holiday, and intend to take employment as part of your holiday for no more than 12 months during your stay
• do not intend to set yourself up in or run a business, or work as a professional sportsperson during your stay
• are single, or are married to someone who also qualifies as a working holidaymaker and you plan to take the working holiday together
• do not have any dependent children aged five or over, or who will be five before your holiday ends
• can support yourself and live in the UK without needing any help from public funds
• have not spent time in the UK on a previous working holidaymaker visa
• intend to leave the UK at the end of your holiday.

You must make your application to the British High Commission and this must have been approved and your visa endorsed in your passport before you attempt to travel to the United Kingdom.

How Long can I Stay?

You are allowed to stay in the UK for up to two years from the date you were first given permission to enter as a working holidaymaker. Any time you spend outside the UK during that period will be counted as part of the two years.

How much and what type of Employment can I Undertake?

Employment in the UK must not be the main reason for your holiday, so you must spend no more than 12 months in employment, paid or unpaid.