I am taking my son home to the UK after 7 years in Thailand...I wondered if its possible to gain a 1 year visa for his current live in nanny (a 50 year old Thai national who doesnt speak English)

Does anybody have any experience or knowledge where i begin the process of application, or is it unlikely?

Any constructive advice appreciated

Thanks in advance

Moved from Phuket news to Visa section.

If she has been employed in your household in Thailand or elsewhere outside the UK for at least the last 12 months, then it is possible.

See WRK2.1 Overseas domestic workers in private households.

See UKVAC for where and how to apply.

Firstly this would not be an au pair arrangement. The application would be as a "domestic worker ", which is one of the employment categories. The immigration rules state :

Domestic workers in private households

Requirements for leave to enter as a domestic worker in a private household

159A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a domestic worker in a private household are that he:

(i) is aged 18-65 inclusive;

(ii) has been employed as a domestic worker for one year or more immediately prior to application for entry clearance under the same roof as his employer or in a household that the employer uses for himself on a regular basis and where there is evidence that there is a connection between employer and employee;

(iii) that he intends to travel to the United Kingdom in the company of his employer, his employer's spouse or civil partner or his employer's minor child;

(iv) intends to work full time as a domestic worker under the same roof as his employer or in a household that the employer uses for himself on a regular basis and where there is evidence that there is a connection between employer and employee;

(v) does not intend to take employment except within the terms of this paragraph; and

(vi) can maintain and accommodate himself adequately without recourse to public funds; and

(vii) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Most often the problem in getting a visa for a domestic servant is proving that he/she has been employed with you for at least 12 months. Often there is no evidence of this. This particular requirement was introduced to stop people taking relatives or friends to the UK in the guise of a domestic servant. Certain nationalities abuse this provision of the rules, and take people to UK, ostensibly as a servant, but for payment

Firstly this would not be an au pair arrangement. The application would be as a "domestic worker ", which is one of the employment categories. The immigration rules state :

Domestic workers in private households

Requirements for leave to enter as a domestic worker in a private household

159A. The requirements to be met by a person seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom as a domestic worker in a private household are that he:

(i) is aged 18-65 inclusive;

(ii) has been employed as a domestic worker for one year or more immediately prior to application for entry clearance under the same roof as his employer or in a household that the employer uses for himself on a regular basis and where there is evidence that there is a connection between employer and employee;

(iii) that he intends to travel to the United Kingdom in the company of his employer, his employer's spouse or civil partner or his employer's minor child;

(iv) intends to work full time as a domestic worker under the same roof as his employer or in a household that the employer uses for himself on a regular basis and where there is evidence that there is a connection between employer and employee;

(v) does not intend to take employment except within the terms of this paragraph; and

(vi) can maintain and accommodate himself adequately without recourse to public funds; and

(vii) holds a valid United Kingdom entry clearance for entry in this capacity.

Most often the problem in getting a visa for a domestic servant is proving that he/she has been employed with you for at least 12 months. Often there is no evidence of this. This particular requirement was introduced to stop people taking relatives or friends to the UK in the guise of a domestic servant. Certain nationalities abuse this provision of the rules, and take people to UK, ostensibly as a servant, but for payment

Thanks so much guys...both posts very helpful