Passports and Visas

Must be applied for before the age of 30 years of age and used to enter the UK within 6 months from the date of issue. Once anyone has been granted a working holiday visa, whether used to enter the UK or not, it is not possible to apply for another one. These visas are valid for 2 consecutive years (nothing can be carried over the 2 year period). There are terms and conditions, one of which states that the holder is not allowed to work in his/her given profession. However, certain professions are exempt from this rule because of the serious shortage in the UK. Doctors are one of these.

If your mother or one of your grandparents was born in the UK, you will be entitled to a 4 year ancestry visa or Right of Abode. (If your father was born in the UK, you will be entitled to a British passport - see below) click here for an explanation of The Right of Abode. Ancestry visas enable you to work on an agency or permanent basis and there are no age restrictions. The visa will be invalidated if you leave the country for extended periods (sometimes this depends on the immigration officer when returning to the UK so it is always best to check with the British Consulate in your country).