Working In The UK

What is a British work permit?

A work permit is a document, which would be applied for by a UK employer to enable them to employ a foreign national for a given period of time. This can be up to five years in duration.

Can I change jobs whilst holding a work permit?

You are able to change jobs as a work permit holder, but you would need to apply for a fresh work permit. Normally, if you are changing jobs within the same field, it would not be necessary for the new employer to advertise the vacancy first.

How long is a work permit valid for?

A work permit is valid for up to five years, although it can be restricted for any period in which the employer wishes to employ the foreign national, or in which the Home Office deems suitable to issue the permit for.

Am I entitled to use the NHS when working under a British work permit?

When you're in the United Kingdom on a work permit, you may use the National Health Service (NHS).

What is the 'highly skilled migrant programme'?

The "highly skilled migrant programme" is a scheme that the British government has to encourage highly skilled individuals to come and live and work in the United Kingdom. It's a points-based scheme. You need to qualify with 75 points under the scheme, and the points can be gained in a number of areas, principally your academic background and your employment background.

Who is eligible for a HSMP visa?

Anyone who is a foreign national can apply for a HSMP visa, providing they meet the qualifying criteria of seventy-five points. The points are assessed in a number of areas, a person's academic standing, a person's employment standing, and a person's salary.

How long is an HSMP valid for?

An HSMP would be valid for up to 5 years. Initially, normally, the home office grants a person 12 months. At the end of the 12 month period they would then need to apply for an extension under the highly skilled migrant program, proving that they had taken employment and that they were still qualified under that scheme.

What is a working holiday visa?

A working holiday visa is issued to Commonwealth nationals between the ages of 17 and 30 who wish to come to the United Kingdom to spend two years travelling, enjoying and exposing themselves to some of our lifestyle here, and also taking part time employment. Or, they can work full time for one year; the second year they must travel.

Can I use a working holiday visa more than once in my lifetime?

The person who qualifies under the working holiday maintenance scheme can only use the visa once. It would be valid for a two year period. At the end of the two year period, unless they qualify for leave to remain in the United Kingdom in another capacity, they would then have to return or leave the United Kingdom.

Who is eligible for a working holiday visa?

Working holiday visas are issued to people who are Commonwealth nationals. This can be New Zealanders, Australians, South Africans, or Indians, and a number of nationalities as well.

Do I need to apply for a working holiday visa before arriving in the UK?

You must apply for a working holiday visa or a diplomatic mission before you leave the United Kingdom. Normally it's wise to apply two months ahead of your intended journey, because some of the diplomatic missions abroad take that period of time to consider applications.

Am I entitled to use the NHS when working under a working holiday visa?

You may use the NHS when in the United Kingdom under the working holiday visa.

Do I need a working visa if I am attending business meetings in the UK?

You would not need a working VISA to come to the UK on business. If you are a non VISA national, you would be able at the port of entry to apply for permission to enter the UK for such a purpose without a VISA. If you are a VISA national, you would need to go along to a diplomatic mission abroad with some evidence of the business meeting, and they would then issue you with the VISA to come to the UK to attend the meeting. But you do not need a work permit for such meeting.

I have a specialised skill set, is this recognised when applying for a work permit?

Yes, the home office does recognise special skills when applying for a work permit. There are certain categories of employment which are on something called a shortage list which the home office draws up to respond to demands under the resident labour market.

Is my work permit issued quicker, if I have a specialised skill set?

Yes, your work permit would be issued with minimal formality if the role that you're applying for is on the shortage list. The employer, for example, would not have to advertise that role and offer it to the resident labor market.

Can I apply for a working visa retrospectively?

You can apply for a work permit in the United Kingdom if you're in the United Kingdom and in certain immigration capacities. For example, if you're here as a working holiday maker, and the job that you're applying for or the role you're applying for is on the shortage list, you would be able to obtain work permit approval and a switch of your immigration status without returning to your country of residence.