Work permit

For the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services document, see Employment Authorization Document.

Work permit is a generic term for a legal authorization which allows a person to take employment. It is most often used in reference to instances where a person is given permission to work in a country where one does not hold citizenship, but is also used in reference to minors, who in some jurisdictions require a permit in order to legally work due to Child Labor laws.

Work Permits under European Union law

See also: Blue Card (European Union)

Currently, every EU country has a different process for granting work permits to nationals of non-EU countries. To address this issue, the European Commission began work in 1999 on developing an EU-wide process for the entry of non-EU nationals into the work force. In October 2007, they adopted a proposal to introduce a work permit similar to the United States' "Green Card" program, called the "Blue Card". It is similar to the UK's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, with the exception that it will require an employment contract in place prior to migration. After two years in the first country, the migrant will be allowed to move and work in another EU country, and can sum the number of years spent in the EU for purposes of residency. This new card will abolish work permits across the EU and centralize the issuing from Brussels.

Work Permits under national law (EU Member States)

Work Permits in Belgium

Main article: Work permit (Belgium)

Work Permit in France

The procedure to get a work permit is quite elaborate since the applicant should prove that no French jobseeker fitted the position.

Work Permits in the United Kingdom

Main article: Work permit (United Kingdom)

There are seven standard ways to apply for a work permit in the United Kingdom: the Business and Commercial Arrangements, the Training and Work Experience Arrangements, the Sports people and Entertainers Arrangements, Student Internships, GATS, Ancestry Visa and the Sectors Based Scheme. Each of these involves its own application process, and generally requires a job offer from a UK employer. The UK has stopped accepting work permits in many other categories.

There is also a scheme for nationals of select countries to work in the UK as Au Pairs. This scheme is only for nationals of European Economic Area countries don't need a permit to au pair in the UK.

The UK work permit system is currently being replaced by a new points-based immigration system.

Work Permits in Singapore

In Singapore, the work permit process is managed by the Ministry of Manpower. There are several kinds of work permits, and the type accorded generally depends on the salary range of the position. The "S Pass," is meant for foreign workers who make at least S$2,000/month. To be eligible, the applicant must achieve show proof of the requisite salary, skills (including education), work experience, and the type of job being applied for. Employers who wish to hire an S Pass work permit holder are subjected to work permit conditions and the Employment of Foreign Manpower act.

In order to ensure an efficient process, the Ministry of Manpower has introduced an internet platform for work permit transactions. With the internet portal, the Ministry is able to process the work permit applications within 15 working days.

With effect of January 2012, the qualifying salary thresholds for the Q1, P2 and P1 Passes have been increased to $3,000, S$4,500 and S$8,000 per month, respectively. Applications for the Singapore employment pass categories must be accompanied by acceptable educational qualifications and work experience.

Another kind of work permit available in Singapore commonly known as the EntrePass and is especially geared towards entrepreneurs who might not pass the stringent requirements regarding education and salary. The EntrePass is for foreign entrepreneurs who are planning to start up a business in Singapore. The entrepreneur must be actively involved in operations of the business. Candidates can apply for this anytime up until 6 months after they registered the business. Generally EntrePass are awarded to individuals whom have either have a proven track record of running successful businesses or whom have an innovative idea.

Employment permits for minors

In world of the US, a work permit must be obtained by a teenager wishing to procure employment. Similar to national work permits, the idea is that someone has a limited right to work.

In some states, for example New Jersey, permits are only required for minors 14 and 15 years old, while others such as Massachusetts require, at least in theory, work permits for all minors up until they turn 18 years of age. In states that require permits for 16 and 17 year olds, enforcement is not always strict, although sometimes it is. Permits are usually issued through the school system the minor attends, and typically at a minimum, enrollment in high school with regular attendance (no chronic absenteeism, tardiness, or truancy) is required as a condition for obtaining the permit. Some states such as New York and Indiana require high school students with part time jobs to maintain a certain grade point average. Minors who are working are usually restricted in the number of hours each day or week they are permitted to work as well as the types of jobs they may hold.

See also

• Stamp 4

External links

• Indiana Teenworker Requirements
• Massachusetts Child Labor Laws
• United Nations' Lowell Report on Highly Skilled Mobility
• Different Types Of Singapore Work Visa For Foreigners
• Entrepeneur Pass (EntrePass) Work Visa