Two smaller routes cover people who travel with an employer and people who represent an overseas news organisation. Both are narrow, so check eligibility closely.
Information checked against the sources listed below on 10 October 2026. Rules, fees and thresholds change; this is general information, not advice on your case, and does not assess whether you qualify.
What the official guidance says.
- Overseas Domestic Worker: for domestic workers in a private household, such as cleaners, chauffeurs, cooks, personal carers and nannies, who live outside the UK and visit with their employer. You must have worked for that employer for at least one year.
- Stays on the Overseas Domestic Worker visa are limited to 6 months, after which you must return home. GOV.UK says it cannot be extended. Only holders of a Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa who applied on or before 5 April 2012 may be able to extend.
- You may change to another private-household domestic job, but only if you stay within the 6-month limit.
- Representative of an Overseas Business: GOV.UK describes it as suiting employees of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation on a long-term assignment to the UK. The initial stay is 3 years, extendable by 2 more. Holders can work full time for their employer and bring dependants, and after 5 years in the UK may apply for settlement.
- GOV.UK directs businesses setting up a first UK branch to the UK Expansion Worker visa instead.
What usually decides the outcome.
- Whether you genuinely meet the specific employment history requirements.
- Whether a short stay is all you need, or a longer-term route is required.
- For a business, whether the Global Business Mobility routes are better suited.
How we can help.
Depending on what you need, support can range from a first conversation to full representation. Ask for the scope of any work, and an explanation of our fees and separate government charges, in writing before you instruct the firm.
- Initial consultation and eligibility assessment. A conversation about your circumstances, the routes that may apply and the risks.
- Written advice and immigration planning. A considered view on your options and a plan that looks ahead to extensions, settlement or citizenship.
- Document and application checking. A review of an application or evidence you have prepared, before you submit it.
- Full application preparation and representation. Preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with the Home Office on your behalf.
- Responses to Home Office requests. Help answering requests for further information, interviews or evidence.
- Refusal analysis and next steps. Understanding why an application failed and whether to seek review, appeal, judicial review or make a fresh application.
Before you contact us
- Write a short summary of your circumstances and what you want to achieve.
- Note any decision dates, expiry dates or deadlines.
- Do not send passport numbers or sensitive documents in the first enquiry. We will explain how to share them securely.