Unless you are a British citizen or British national, you need a visa to live and work in the UK.
Before Brexit, EU nannies were permitted to work in the UK without the need for a work visa. After Brexit this is no longer possible, EU citizens cannot work in the UK without a “settled or pre-settled status” or without a visa.
After Brexit, EU citizens are still allowed to work in the UK but they need to obtain a visa. The most common work visa for the UK is the Skilled Worker visa.
The requirements for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa are very strict and the process can be lengthy. It’s difficult to meet all the requirements and most candidates are actually not skilled enough to qualify for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, therefore UK-based families who want to employ a nanny generally don’t sponsor visas.
Since Brexit, UK-based families looking to hire a nanny only consider local candidates or candidates who already have a visa that allows them to work in the UK.
Even if the position is temporary or rotating, a visa is now required for EU nannies wishing to work in the UK.
US Nannies do need a visa to work in the UK too, like EU citizens.
Basically, if you do not hold a UK passport or if you do not have a “settled or pre-settled statuts” there is no point in applying for a UK-based nanny role, your application will not be considered and you will just waste your time…
How to get a visa for the UK as a Nanny?
The UK Nanny visa, known as the Overseas Domestic Worker visa, allows foreign nationals working as domestic workers in a private household to come to the UK. The Overseas Domestic Worker visa is for nannies but also a wide range of other domestic roles, including cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, and individuals who provide personal care for their employer and their family members.
Overseas Domestic Worker visa holders can also travel abroad and return to the UK freely during their stay and change employers (to another domestic worker role in a private household). UK Nanny visa holders can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, however, this cannot be further extended.An alternative to the UK Overseas Domestic Worker visa for nannies or babysitters who wish to stay in the UK for more than 6 months is the Skilled Worker visa. The eligible occupation code for this is ‘6114’ (Childminders), which covers baby sitter, childminder, mother’s help, and nurse maid.
The Skilled Worker visa can be extended and can be used to gain indefinite leave to remain after 5 years. That said, to apply for a Skilled Worker visa, your employer must have a sponsor licence which most private households will not have. It is also important to note that it is not possible to switch from an Overseas Domestic Worker visa to a Skilled Worker visa in the UK once in the UK.
