The United Kingdom Working Holiday Makers Scheme (WHMS)
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FAQs

What is the working holidaymaker scheme?

The working holidaymaker scheme allows anyone from 17 to 30 years old to come to the UK on an extended holiday for a maximum period of two years and take any employment, which is incidental to the holiday.

How do I qualify as a working holidaymaker?

You qualify as a working holidaymaker if: You are a Commonwealth citizen; you are 17-30 years of age;  you take up employment as an integral part of a working holiday; You are single or are married to a person who also qualifies as a working holidaymaker and you plan to take the working holiday together ; You do not have any dependent children who are aged five years or over, or who will be five before you complete your holiday; You can support and accommodate yourself without help from public funds; You have the means to pay for your return, or onward journey and you plan to leave the UK at the end of your holiday

How do I present that my main intention is holidaying and work is only incidental?

You must convince the visa officer that you will spend part of the 2 years holidaying in the UK. Remember that a working holidaymaker ought to come with the intention of taking up work as part of his holiday.   If you do not intend working nor have a reasonable prospect of obtaining the type of work envisaged then you are  unlikely to meet the requirements of the working holidaymaker rules!

Even the work you pursue has tricky restrictions. While a working holidaymaker may engage in work incidental to a holiday, you are prohibited from engaging in business or pursuing a career, and are also prohibited from providing services as a professional sports person or entertainer.

Also, it is inappropriate for you, whose specific purpose in coming to the United Kingdom is to take full-time work to be admitted as a working holidaymaker.

How is different from a Work Permit?

A Work Permit has a sponsor whereas the WHMS does not need one. The Work Permit is specific to a employer and location; which is not required by WHMV. The Work Permit is provided for as 2-4 years and as long as the employer extends it, whereas, the WHMS is for  2 years. The Work Permit is for Professionals with a clear intent to work where the employer must prove to the Home office that the skills are not locally available. The WHMS does not require the employer to contact the Home Office to employ you.

How is it different from a Visit Visa?

Visit Visas are typically for 3-6 months and you are not legally authorized to seek employment. The visas would also require that you show a specific purpose, either a business or holiday.

What kind of work can I do?

The Working Holidaymaker scheme does not place any restrictions on the type of work you can do. There is also no restriction on the amount of work that you can do (part-time or full-time), but you will be expected to take a holiday at some point during your stay.

Any person allowed to enter the UK under this category is permitted to switch into Work Permit employment after one year in the UK.

Do I need a visa as a working holidaymaker?

You must get a visa as a working holidaymaker before you travel to the UK.

Can I be self-employed?

Self-employed activity may be undertaken only where it is clearly temporary in nature. For example, window cleaning or working from home as a hairdresser.

Please note that any activity, which involves such commitments as investment in premises, expensive equipment or the employment of staff, is regarded as activity for which a person should apply for a Business or Investor Visa.

Can I study?

It is acceptable for a working holidaymaker to engage in some part-time study and short periods of full-time study.  You may not, however, engage in full-time study for the whole period of your stay since you cannot be accepted as intending to take employment incidental to a holiday.

An applicant who intends to engage in full time studies should apply to enter as a student and apply for a Student Visa.  

Can I work as a professional?

A person coming for the purpose of a working holiday cannot engage in work, which represents the continuation of his career. A person established or qualified in a profession or vocation overseas and who intends to take up a post or appointment in the same field in the United Kingdom should normally be required to obtain a work permit.

This need not, however, rule out all professional activity and it may be acceptable for a working holidaymaker to engage in, for example, teaching at a relatively junior level or agency nursing. Working on a temporary basis in a profession allied to medicine, as an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, speech therapist or radiographer is also allowed. 

A working holidaymaker cannot take up managerial positions or act as a locum hospital doctor, GP, solicitor, barrister. Interestingly, work as a locum vet is allowed.

Who is most likely to get the WHMV?

The most likely to get the visa are students, teachers, healthcare professionals, IT professionals with prior travel experience, graduates from UK universities and anyone who is able to satisfy the consulate requirements.

What will satisfy the consulate requirements?

Applicants must realize that meeting the Working Holiday’s eligibility criteria does not mean success with the Visa. All applicants must then be able to fulfill the consulate’s typical visa granting requirements which include whether you are genuinely going to holiday and work; whether you have the financial ability to sustain yourself during their stay; and whether you will return to India.

What funds will I need to qualify as a working holidaymaker?

There is no specific amount of money that you must have in order to qualify for entry as a working holidaymaker. However, you must be able to show that you have enough money to pay for your return journey and also to pay for your accommodation and living expenses for at least the first 2 months after arrival without recourse to public funds.

Can I change my status from Holiday Maker to Work Permit?

You can switch to being a work permit holder after one year in the UK without having to leave the country. However, you should note that work permits are normally only issued for high level jobs and where the employer can show that there is a shortage of people to fill the vacancy.

For more information on this product, please contact immigration@y-axis.com