3 answers
Regan
Student
Camden, Delaware
5
Questions
Updated
2428 views
How can I work in Buckingham Palace as an American?
I am interested in working at Buckingham Palace for 5 years on a work visa, but as a non-British citizen, I noticed a contradiction. The vacancies page on the Royal Family website says that international applicants have to have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom before applying, but many visas require an offer before I can settle. Which type of visa should I apply for, when the time comes?
Edit: My overall goal is to work in London for 5 years on a work visa after finishing University, so eventually, I can gain Indefinite Leave to Remain and ultimately, British citizenship.
As of now, I am entering my Junior year of High School in September 2025, and am looking into some universities in the United Kingdom, and Roehampton is a favourite of mine for their History, Politics, and International Relations program. I plan to enter University from July-September 2027.
Login to comment
3 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Regan !
Wow, this is an intricate question with some Catch 22 essence and I hope I can help with at least some information. Although it is a lofty dream to work at Buckingham Palace as a non-citizen, obtaining the information may inspire your options.
Well, the royal household does not sponsor non-citizens to work at Buckingham palace. The one exception, for example, would be if they actually knew you and you had a special skill that a UK citizen didn't have and they OFFERED you a job. You first have to be OFFERED by them and than you would obtain the authorization and the Work Visa.
Here are the names of the qualifying visas that would qualify you to work in England: Skilled Worker Visa, Start-up Visa, Graduate Work Visa, Domestic Worker Visa, Minister of Religion Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, Global Business Mobility Worker Visa, and Temporary Worker Visa. Regardless if it's Buckingham Palace or any other company or agency in England, the place would have to first offer you a job and then you'd get the appropriate visa to have the right to work in England as a non-citizen.
No one can tell you which visa to obtain right now because you didn't state your qualifications, or profession or the type of work you want to do at Buckingham Palace. And remember, they would have to offer you a job first, so maybe you can plan your qualifications and which way would be best to apply showing that your special skills are the fit for the job over a UK citizen. This is the Catch 22. You can't get a visa until they offer you the job and it's questionable about the offer if you do not fit a certain category as mentioned above. So maybe you can plan how to increase your chances of being offered a job as a non-citizen.
If you really want to work at a specific place in the UK, you may consider moving there and perhaps applying for citizenship. I know that sounds drastic, but it would take care of the one process. It may take some time to get the job where you want. You can also consider attending University in England for a Major subject connected to the job you want to do. You may have to wait a while to get the job that you are thinking about, but you can plan for it. It's a huge decision for anyone to make the big changes like that, but it's a lot more than just what type of visa to get. You will also need to be proficient in British History and culture as it is different than U.S. culture even though we all speak English. These are just some things to consider. I think it would be hard and take a very long time for a U.S. citizen to be chosen for a job at Buckingham Palace, just my opinion.
Again, you didn't state what type of work or your qualifications, but you could think about first obtaining a job in Washington, D.C. and even at the White House depending on the type of work. Also, it is very, very competitive and applicants are highly screened to work in high level governmental places.
So, the legal right to work in the U.K. means either being a citizen there or that a place offers you a job first and then you get the categorized visa. There seems to be a lot of conditions around non-citizens working in England, but that's to be expected.
Gather as much information that you can and then consult with an immigration attorney or a British Consulate office closest to where you live. I am under the impression that people who work in England right now had applied for citizenship first and then were able to obtain jobs and not have to wait or worry about someone who doesn't know them offering them a job first.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best on your journey !
Wow, this is an intricate question with some Catch 22 essence and I hope I can help with at least some information. Although it is a lofty dream to work at Buckingham Palace as a non-citizen, obtaining the information may inspire your options.
Well, the royal household does not sponsor non-citizens to work at Buckingham palace. The one exception, for example, would be if they actually knew you and you had a special skill that a UK citizen didn't have and they OFFERED you a job. You first have to be OFFERED by them and than you would obtain the authorization and the Work Visa.
Here are the names of the qualifying visas that would qualify you to work in England: Skilled Worker Visa, Start-up Visa, Graduate Work Visa, Domestic Worker Visa, Minister of Religion Visa, Youth Mobility Scheme, Global Business Mobility Worker Visa, and Temporary Worker Visa. Regardless if it's Buckingham Palace or any other company or agency in England, the place would have to first offer you a job and then you'd get the appropriate visa to have the right to work in England as a non-citizen.
No one can tell you which visa to obtain right now because you didn't state your qualifications, or profession or the type of work you want to do at Buckingham Palace. And remember, they would have to offer you a job first, so maybe you can plan your qualifications and which way would be best to apply showing that your special skills are the fit for the job over a UK citizen. This is the Catch 22. You can't get a visa until they offer you the job and it's questionable about the offer if you do not fit a certain category as mentioned above. So maybe you can plan how to increase your chances of being offered a job as a non-citizen.
If you really want to work at a specific place in the UK, you may consider moving there and perhaps applying for citizenship. I know that sounds drastic, but it would take care of the one process. It may take some time to get the job where you want. You can also consider attending University in England for a Major subject connected to the job you want to do. You may have to wait a while to get the job that you are thinking about, but you can plan for it. It's a huge decision for anyone to make the big changes like that, but it's a lot more than just what type of visa to get. You will also need to be proficient in British History and culture as it is different than U.S. culture even though we all speak English. These are just some things to consider. I think it would be hard and take a very long time for a U.S. citizen to be chosen for a job at Buckingham Palace, just my opinion.
Again, you didn't state what type of work or your qualifications, but you could think about first obtaining a job in Washington, D.C. and even at the White House depending on the type of work. Also, it is very, very competitive and applicants are highly screened to work in high level governmental places.
So, the legal right to work in the U.K. means either being a citizen there or that a place offers you a job first and then you get the categorized visa. There seems to be a lot of conditions around non-citizens working in England, but that's to be expected.
Gather as much information that you can and then consult with an immigration attorney or a British Consulate office closest to where you live. I am under the impression that people who work in England right now had applied for citizenship first and then were able to obtain jobs and not have to wait or worry about someone who doesn't know them offering them a job first.
I hope this helps for a start and I wish you all the best on your journey !
Thank you! I edited my original post to say that gaining citizenship is actually my end goal, and that working at Buckingham Palace is my preferred way of working in the United Kingdom for 5 years.
Regan
Oh, that's good ! I advised to obtain citizenship and glad that you will take that route ! Wishing you all the best !
Michelle M.
Puneet Garg
Technology Consultant
21
Answers
Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Updated
Puneet’s Answer
Great observation! You've identified a tricky situation, but don't worry, there are ways to tackle it.
Working at Buckingham Palace as a Non-British Citizen
The Royal Household, like many employers in the UK, usually requires applicants to have the legal right to work in the country. This is because they might not be able to sponsor visas, which is necessary for most work-related immigration paths.
Visa Pathways to Consider
If you're aiming for a five-year stint in the UK, particularly at a prestigious place like Buckingham Palace, the Skilled Worker visa is a key option:
- Skilled Worker Visa: This lets you live and work in the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed UK employer. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, and you need to meet salary and English language requirements.
- Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable
- Leads to permanent residency
However, Buckingham Palace might not be a licensed sponsor, so they can't provide the Certificate of Sponsorship needed for this visa. That's why they prefer applicants who already have the right to work in the UK.
Alternative Routes
If you don't have UK work rights yet, consider these options:
- Graduate Route Visa: If you study in the UK, you can stay and work for 2 years after graduation without needing sponsorship.
- Global Talent Visa: For those with exceptional skills in fields like research, arts, or digital tech. No job offer needed, but you need endorsement from a recognized UK body.
- UK Ancestry Visa: If you have a UK-born grandparent and meet other criteria.
- Partner Visa: If you're married to or in a relationship with a UK citizen or resident.
Strategy Suggestion
If working at Buckingham Palace is your goal:
1. Gain UK work rights first, perhaps through study, another job with sponsorship, or a visa that doesn’t require sponsorship.
2. Apply once you’re eligible, with the right to work already in place, so you meet their application criteria.
Working at Buckingham Palace as a Non-British Citizen
The Royal Household, like many employers in the UK, usually requires applicants to have the legal right to work in the country. This is because they might not be able to sponsor visas, which is necessary for most work-related immigration paths.
Visa Pathways to Consider
If you're aiming for a five-year stint in the UK, particularly at a prestigious place like Buckingham Palace, the Skilled Worker visa is a key option:
- Skilled Worker Visa: This lets you live and work in the UK if you have a job offer from a licensed UK employer. The job must be on the list of eligible occupations, and you need to meet salary and English language requirements.
- Duration: Up to 5 years, renewable
- Leads to permanent residency
However, Buckingham Palace might not be a licensed sponsor, so they can't provide the Certificate of Sponsorship needed for this visa. That's why they prefer applicants who already have the right to work in the UK.
Alternative Routes
If you don't have UK work rights yet, consider these options:
- Graduate Route Visa: If you study in the UK, you can stay and work for 2 years after graduation without needing sponsorship.
- Global Talent Visa: For those with exceptional skills in fields like research, arts, or digital tech. No job offer needed, but you need endorsement from a recognized UK body.
- UK Ancestry Visa: If you have a UK-born grandparent and meet other criteria.
- Partner Visa: If you're married to or in a relationship with a UK citizen or resident.
Strategy Suggestion
If working at Buckingham Palace is your goal:
1. Gain UK work rights first, perhaps through study, another job with sponsorship, or a visa that doesn’t require sponsorship.
2. Apply once you’re eligible, with the right to work already in place, so you meet their application criteria.
Thank you! A Skilled Worker visa was a consideration of mine, but it does require a sponsorship first. As of now, I am planning on going to University in the United Kingdom on a Student Visa, but as far as I am aware, student/graduate visas do not count towards the 5 years' residency for Indefinite Leave to Remain. I do not have any familiar relationships in the United Kingdom, so I am looking to legally naturalise as a British citizen by September 2037.
Regan
Charu Bansal
Product Leader
3
Answers
Livingston, New Jersey
Updated
Charu’s Answer
I admire your ambitions and hope you stick to them. I don't know the answer to your question, but I think the Royal family likely doesn't hire non-citizens to work at the Palace. I'm not a legal expert, so I suggest contacting the Palace HR directly if possible.