UK IMMIGRATION - UK WORK PERMITS

Work permits can be obtained by employers wishing to enable persons from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to come and stay in the UK in order to work. There are three main types of work permits: business and commercial work permits; training and work experience work permits; sportspeople and entertainer work permits. By far the most common is the business and commercial work permit. Find out if you qualify here.

Who Qualifies for a UK Business and Commercial Work Permit?

Employees may be issued with UK Work Permits if:

• There is a genuine vacancy for the employment
• The employee has the appropriate skills, qualifications and experience
• There are no suitably qualified or experienced ‘resident workers’ available

The UK operates a two-tier system, making it easier for employers to obtain permits to employer workers in certain circumstances. For example, the system has been simplified for intra-company transfers and areas covering shortage occupations.

How long will a UK Work Permit last?

A UK work permit is usually valid for four or five years, but will be issued for only 18 months if the prospective employer has not applied before.

Can Work Permit Holders take on Supplementary Work?

Normally, work permit holders will be able to take on part-time employment without needing a further permit, so long as the additional work is in the same field as that for which their permit was issued, and is of no more than 20 hours per week.

Can family members of Work Permit Holders come to the UK?

Normally, spouses, or unmarried partners of a work permit holders may qualify under the immigration rules to accompany or join a work permit holder in the UK provided they obtain entry clearance in this regard. Unmarried children under the age of 18 of work permit holders normally will also be permitted to enter and join their parents.

How to Obtain a UK Work Permit

Business and Commercial Work Permit Applications are made of form WP1 and are processed by Work Permits (UK).

Work Permits (UK) check applications to see whether the post represents a ‘genuine vacancy’ and that requirements specified are genuinely needed for the job.