Great news for international childcare professionals! Babysitters can now apply for the Skilled Worker Visa program in the UK starting April 2024.

The new rules have changed everything for childcare workers. Babysitters can now bring their family members to the UK. These dependents have the freedom to work or start their own businesses. The UK offers two visa options: a Skilled Worker visa that needs a minimum salary of £26,200 per year, or an Overseas Domestic Worker visa that lets you stay for 6 months.

This piece will help you understand how to get your UK babysitter visa in 2025. You’ll find all the details you need, whether you want to be a live-in nanny or look for long-term childcare jobs in the UK.

What is a UK Babysitter Visa?

The UK babysitter visa covers two different paths for international childcare professionals who want to work in the United Kingdom. The Overseas Domestic Worker visa remains the main route for nannies and domestic workers who enter the UK with their employers.

This visa lets professionals work in domestic roles of all types. They can work as nannies, cleaners, chauffeurs, chefs, or personal care providers for private households. The visa’s occupation code ‘6114’ includes several childcare positions. Babysitters, childminders, mother’s helpers, and nursemaids all fall under this category.

People with an Overseas Domestic Worker visa enjoy specific benefits. They can switch employers within the domestic worker category and move freely between the UK and other countries. The visa allows a stay up to six months in the UK, but you cannot extend this period.

The Skilled Worker visa provides another option to those looking for longer stays. Babysitters who plan to stay in the UK beyond six months will find this option more suitable. This visa offers greater stability and lets holders stay in the UK up to five years while working with the same employer.

The UK’s visa structure helps address childcare worker shortages and deepens family support systems. The Skilled Worker visa has a special feature that allows babysitters to bring their dependants to the UK. Dependent partners can work or start businesses.

Your long-term plans and employment situation should guide your choice between these visas. The Overseas Domestic Worker visa works best for those coming with current employers for short stays. The Skilled Worker visa suits professionals who want extended career opportunities in UK childcare.

UK Babysitter Visa Types in 2025

The UK provides two different visa paths for international babysitters and nannies who want to work there in 2025. Each path comes with unique benefits and requirements.

Skilled Worker Visa Overview

Babysitters planning a long-term career in the UK can choose the Skilled Worker visa. This visa covers childcare positions under occupation code ‘6114’. You must earn at least £38,700 per year to qualify. The salary requirement drops to 70% of the standard rate for applicants under 26.

You’ll need these requirements:

• A valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer
• Knowing how to speak English at CEFR level B1 or higher
• £1,270 in your account for 28 days

Overseas Domestic Worker Visa Explained

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa costs £637 and works as a short-term option. You can work in the UK up to 6 months with this visa. The requirements include:

• Being 19 years or older
• Working for your employer for at least one year
• Living in your employer’s household
• Traveling to the UK with your employer

Key Differences Between Visa Options

The Skilled Worker route offers a path to permanent residency, unlike the Overseas Domestic Worker visa. This makes it an attractive choice for people who want long-term opportunities in the UK childcare sector.

Most private households don’t have the sponsor license needed for the Skilled Worker visa. People on an Overseas Domestic Worker visa can’t switch to a Skilled Worker visa while staying in the UK.

Essential Eligibility Requirements For UK Nanny Visa 

Getting a UK babysitter visa is a vital step that requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Your chosen visa type determines the exact requirements.

Qualification and Experience Criteria

The Skilled Worker visa requires childcare qualifications at level 3 or higher on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). These qualifications include:

• CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
• NVQ Level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
• BTEC National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa requires you to complete 12 months of continuous employment with your current employer before applying.

Salary Thresholds and Financial Requirements

Each visa type has substantially different salary requirements:

• Skilled Worker Visa: A minimum annual salary of £26,200 for experienced workers
• Under 26 Years: Reduced rate at 70% of the standard threshold
• Financial Buffer: Proof of £1,270 in savings, managed to keep for 28 days

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa doesn’t specify salary thresholds. However, your employer must show they can pay you the National Minimum Wage.

English Language Proficiency Standards

The Skilled Worker visa has strict English language requirements. You can prove your proficiency through one of these methods:

1. Pass an approved English language test at CEFR level B1 in all four components:
   • Reading
   • Writing
   • Speaking
   • Listening
2. Hold a degree taught in English from an approved institution
3. Come from a majority English-speaking country

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa doesn’t require formal English qualifications. Notwithstanding that, simple communication skills help in daily work interactions.

Note that meeting these requirements doesn’t guarantee visa approval. The Home Office assesses each application individually and looks at your immigration history and employment relationship’s authenticity.

Required Documentation Checklist UK Babysitter Visa

The right documentation is the life-blood of a successful UK babysitter visa application. A well-laid-out set of documents will give a stronger application and faster processing time.

Personal Documents and Certificates

Your visa application needs a valid passport. The passport should have at least one blank page to accommodate the visa stamp. You’ll need certified translations for documents not in English or Welsh.

The simple personal documentation has:

• Current passport or valid travel identification
• Completed ‘Appendix Domestic Worker Statement’ with signatures from both parties
• Proof of English language proficiency (for Skilled Worker visa)
• Previous travel documentation if you have traveled with your employer

Employment and Sponsorship Papers

Your employer must provide a detailed letter for the Overseas Domestic Worker visa. This letter should confirm your job title, employment duration, and permanent employee status. It needs to state that you’ll receive proper holiday pay and adequate notice when employment ends.

People applying for Skilled Worker visas need a valid Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved sponsor license holder. Your role must fit into these categories: au pair, childcare assistant, childminder, or nanny.

Financial Evidence Requirements

You must show financial stability through several documents. Bank statements or payslips from the last six months serve as key evidence.
You’ll also need one of these documents that cover your employment period:

• Tax payment confirmations
• Health insurance documentation
• Employment contract
• Work visa or residence permit from current employment country
• Previous travel visas with your employer

Skilled Worker visa applicants must have £1,270 for 28 days. Yes, it is essential to show you can support yourself when you arrive in the UK.

Your documents must clearly show minimum wage requirements. Workers aged 21 and over should earn £11.44 per hour, while those between 18-20 years get £8.60 per hour.
Make sure all salary-related documents line up with these amounts to avoid delays in your application.

Step-by-Step Application Process For Babysitter Visa

The UK babysitter visa application process has several important stages after you prepare your documents.

Online Application Guidelines

You can start your application three months before your planned travel date. The online form needs your complete attention and proper timing. After you finish the form, the visa fee of £637 must be paid.

These steps will help you through the process:

1. Complete the online application form from outside the UK
2. Pay the required application fee
3. Save your application reference number
4. Upload supporting documents through the online portal
5. Schedule your biometric appointment

Biometric Appointment Process

You must book an appointment at your nearest UK Visa Application Center (VAC) after submitting your online application. Your appointment will include:

• Providing your fingerprints and digital photograph
• Presenting your current valid passport
• Bringing your appointment confirmation letter
• Submitting any remaining supporting documents

Children under 16 must have the person named as their ‘responsible adult’ with them at the appointment.

Document Submission Timeline

The standard processing time takes about three weeks after your biometric appointment. You should plan your application to avoid any travel disruptions.

Faster processing options come with these services:

You can track your application status through the online portal. The decision comes through a letter or email. Don’t make any travel arrangements until you get your visa confirmation.

Successful applicants can stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You should then prepare for your arrival by learning about UK entry procedures and registration requirements.

 UK Nanny Visa Costs and Processing Times 

A clear understanding of UK babysitter visa application costs will help you plan better. This detailed breakdown covers everything from simple fees to extra charges, along with processing timelines.

Visa Application Fees Breakdown

UK babysitter visa fees vary based on your chosen route. The Overseas Domestic Worker visa has a simple application fee of £637. The Skilled Worker visa costs more and starts at £719 for stays up to three years.

Additional costs might include:

• Certificate of Sponsorship fee: £199
• Immigration Skills Charge: £1,000 per year
• Document translation services (if required)
• Travel costs to visa application centers

Healthcare Surcharge Details

The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) lets you access the National Health Service (NHS). Your visa duration determines the surcharge rates:

You must pay both the main visa fee and healthcare surcharge upfront during your application. Your dependents will need to pay identical IHS rates if they apply with you.

Priority Service Options

The UK offers accelerated services if you need faster processing:

The standard service typically takes 3 weeks to process. Priority Service reduces the waiting time to 5 working days with an additional £500. Super Priority Service provides decisions within 24 hours at an extra £1,000.

These factors matter when selecting a service level:

• Your planned travel date
• Budget constraints
• Urgency of your employment start date
• Document preparation timeline

Your total visa application cost depends on the visa type, stay duration, and processing speed you choose. A 3-year Skilled Worker visa with standard processing and healthcare surcharge could cost around £4,500.

Keep proof of all payments and factor in potential currency conversion fees. A financial buffer will give a smoother application process.

Post-Visa Approval Steps

Getting your UK babysitter visa approved is just the beginning. Several significant steps need your attention to transition smoothly into your role as a childcare professional in the United Kingdom.

UK Arrival Procedures

Your visa lets you move freely between the UK and other countries. Skilled Worker visa holders enjoy this freedom throughout their authorized stay. You can start working right away once you arrive in the UK with your employers.

Domestic worker visa holders should know these essential points:

• Your stay length matches your employer’s UK residence period
• You must leave when your employer exits the country
• The maximum stay is six months

Registration Requirements

Skilled Worker and Domestic Worker visa holders have different registration rules. Your approved visa requires you to:

1. Keep working with your sponsoring employer
2. Update your visa if you switch jobs within the UK
3. Monitor your visa duration to plan renewals

The registration process depends on your visa type:

Employment Rights and Responsibilities

Your visa category determines your employment rights. Skilled Worker visa holders can:

• Stay in the UK up to five years with the same employer
• Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years
• Switch employers with a visa amendment

Domestic Worker visa holders have these rights:

• Change employers within the domestic worker category
• Work only in private households
• Travel abroad and return during the visa period

Some restrictions apply to all visa holders. You cannot:

• Access public funds
• Work in roles outside your visa category
• Extend beyond maximum stay periods without proper visa conversion

The Skilled Worker route offers a path to settlement. The Domestic Worker visa no longer guides holders to permanent residency unless they entered this route before 2012.

Do I need a nanny VISA to work as a nanny in the UK?

UK nannies must have proper work authorization through specific visa pathways. Foreign nationals must get either an Overseas Domestic Worker visa or a Skilled Worker visa before they start working.

The Overseas Domestic Worker visa lets you work in private households for up to 6 months. You’ll pay £637 for this visa that gives you several benefits. You can change employers within the domestic worker category and travel abroad during your stay.

The Skilled Worker visa offers a better long-term employment option. It covers roles like babysitter, childminder, mother’s help, and nurse maid positions under occupation code ‘6114’. You must earn at least £30,960 per year or £11.44 per hour, whichever is higher.

Your circumstances will help you decide between these visas:

Most overseas nannies choose the Overseas Domestic Worker visa. The qualification requirements include:

• Being over 19 years old
• Working for your employer for at least 12 months
• Living in the same household as your employer
• Traveling to the UK with your employer

Your employer has several obligations too:

• Paying at least the national minimum wage
• Providing agreed holiday pay
• Giving substantial notice for employment termination
• Setting reasonable working hours

You cannot switch from an Overseas Domestic Worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa while in the UK. This rule means you should plan your long-term career goals before entering the UK.

The Skilled Worker visa has additional requirements:

• A Certificate of Sponsorship from an approved employer
• English language proficiency at B1 level
• Minimum financial savings of £1,270 that you keep for 28 days

Private households rarely have sponsor licenses, which limits your Skilled Worker visa options. This fact is vital to remember while planning your entry into UK childcare employment.

Conclusion 

A successful UK babysitter visa application needs careful planning and attention to detail. Your career goals and circumstances will determine the best choice between a Skilled Worker visa and an Overseas Domestic Worker visa. The Skilled Worker visa provides long-term opportunities with a settlement path, while the Overseas Domestic Worker visa works better for shorter stays with existing employers.

Your visa application’s success depends on meeting specific requirements and submitting proper documentation correctly. Knowledge of salary thresholds, financial requirements, and processing times helps you plan your UK move effectively.

Each visa type comes with its own set of rights and responsibilities. This understanding of visa options, requirements, and application processes empowers you to make informed decisions about your UK childcare career.