Work permit (United Kingdom): Difference between revisions
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This an extension of the UK immgration page, which does not go into depth for this type of visa, it is important for people to know more about this and the HSMP vsa. |
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{{dated prod|concern = {{{concern|This is already covered by [[Immigration to the United Kingdom]], and the article seems to have been created to provide links to a private visa service}}}|month = September|day = 21|year = 2006|time = 10:06|timestamp = 20060921100602}} |
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== UK work permit == |
== UK work permit == |
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Revision as of 11:19, 21 September 2006
UK work permit
The UK Work Permit scheme is one of the most important immigration categories used to encourage skilled workers to enter the UK. They provide a popular avenue for overseas citizens seeking to gain valuable international work experience in the UKand are often used to enable UK employers to transfer key personnel to the UK from outside the EEA [1] region.
To be eligible for a work permit you must have a valid job offer from a viable employer in the UK. With the work permit scheme it is important to note that a work permit is granted to a specific person for a specific role within a specific company. It is also important to note that it is the company that is sponsoring you that must apply for the work permit on your behalf. If you do not have a job offer in the UK you may still be eligible for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
As a work permit holder you can apply for dependants to join you in the UK, and your dependants will be able to work in the UK without restriction. You must be able to accommodate and support yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds. If you decide to change employer during the course of your work permit, your prospective employer will need to apply to Work Permits (UK) to transfer your work permit prior to you starting work with your new employer.
To check if you need a visa to work in the UK UkVisas.go.uk - Do I need a visa
Eligibility
Duration
A work permit can be issued for any period of time between 1 month to 60 months. The duration of the work permit is dependent on the length of time requested by the sponsoring company, and is also at the discretion of the Home Office. You will be 'locked-in' with your employer for the duration of your visa. You can move to another employer though, but another application will have to be made.
Position
The position for which the work permit is required must meet NVQ level 3 and above. Furthermore if you work in a certain profession you may be required to be registered with the governing body of that profession. For example Doctors must be GMC (General Medical Council) registered.
Education
To be eligible for a work permit you must have:
A degree; or An HND level qualification which is relevant to the position on offer; or An HND level qualification which is not relevant to the position on offer plus one year of relevant full time work experience at NVQ level 3 and above; or No degree and three years of relevant experience.
Additional information
Entry Clearance/Leave to Remain
Once a work permit has been authorised it is your responsibility as the work permit holder (not your employer's responsibility), to apply for the correct leave in order to validate the work permit. This would be in the form of either a Leave to Remain application (if eligible to switch in the United Kingdom) to the United Kingdom Home Office, or an application for entry clearance (if overseas) to the nearest British High Commission/Embassy in the country of your legal residence.
Shortage occupations
If the position for which your prospective employer is seeking a work permit is on the shortage occupation list, there is no requirement for the employer to meet the advertising criteria (they will need to advertise for your position in a government accredited place - a broadsheet paper, online etc. This advert will have to be 'live' for a set period of time and your employer will have to prove why you are the most qualified for that position) set by Work Permits (UK).
The work permit shortage occupations list currently contains jobs within the engineering, healthcare, and other professions.
Spouse/civil partners
Your partner may apply for entry clearance as a dependant on your work permit provided that you are either married or have entered into a civil partnership. You and your partner must demonstrate that you intend to live together in the United Kingdom and that your marriage or civil partnership subsists.
If your partner successfully obtains a work permit dependant visa they will eligible to seek and take employment in the United Kingdom.
External Links
»Immigration and Nationality Directorate
» Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner is an independent public body responsible for ensuring that all immigration advisers fulfill the requirements of good practice. Use this link to find an people/companies that are authorised to give advice on your immigration issues in the UK.
» Immigration Law Practitioners Association A professional association of lawyers and academics practising in or concerned about immigration, asylum and nationality law.