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The table below provides details about permits and regulations for working holidaymakers.
| Working holidaymakers | |
|---|---|
| Qualifying criteria |
Commonwealth nationals -
Full details of the scheme are available from the Border and Immigration Agency website See the glossary for a list of Commonwealth countries |
| Permitted work | Employment is incidental to a holiday. Cannot engage in business nor provide services as a professional sportsperson nor work for more than 12 months during the two years |
| Who applies where? | Applicant applies at entry clearance post in country of residence. |
| Duration of leave | Up to two years. Only one (2 year) stay in the category is permitted in a lifetime. |
| Extending the leave |
Entry clearance is issued with a validity of two years, in line with the full two year maximum potential stay in the category, and there is no provision for leave in the category to be extended. |
| Applying for settlement | A Working Holidaymaker cannot apply for settlement but can apply for a full work permit, which may be issued if he has spent more than 12 months in the UK as a Working Holidaymaker, and provided that all the relevant criteria are met. The Working Holidaymaker category does not lead to settlement as it is a temporary entry category, but leave to remain as a work permit holder may lead to settlement. |
| Family and dependents | Employee may bring dependent children under the age of five in certain circumstances. |
| Cost of application | See charges and fees |
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