The UK work permit scheme is the main route by which the UK Government encourages the inward migration of skilled workers, in order to address UK skills shortages. It is also a very popular way for overseas citizens to gain valuable international work experience in the UK . The work permit scheme allows a UK-based employer to employ a non-EU national for a specific length of time, doing a specific job.

Applications for Work Permits have to be lodged by the prospective UK employer, and not by the prospective employee . In order to obtain a Work Permit the following is required:

 
 
  • The employer must be a company or business based in the United Kingdom .
  • There must be a genuine vacancy at the company
  • The employee must have qualifications or experience as follows:
    • A UK level University Degree or
    • A relevant UK level Higher National Diploma level qualification; or
    • A non-relevant UK level HND Qualification plus one year relevant work experience at NVQ Level 3 or above.
    • At least 3 years senior or specialised experience in a specific field at a level equivalent to the UK NVQ or SVQ Level 3 or above.
 
     
 

There are 6 different categories of Work Permits:

 
     
 
1. Business and commercial
The business and commercial arrangements allow employers in this country to recruit people from outside the EEA who are going to be filling a vacancy that may otherwise be filled by a 'resident worker'.
 
     
 
2. Training and work experience
The training and work experience arrangements enable people from outside the EEA to undertake work-based training for a professional or specialist qualification, or a period of work experience.
 
     
 
3. Sportspeople and entertainers
The sportspeople and entertainers arrangements allow employers in this country to employ established sportspeople, entertainers, cultural artists and some technical/support people from outside the EEA.
 
     
 
4. Student Internships
The internship arrangements allow students from outside the EEA studying first or higher degree courses overseas to undertake an internship with an employer in this country.
 
     
 
5. General agreement on trade and services - GATS
The GATS arrangements allow employees of companies that are based outside the European Union to work in the UK on a service contract awarded to their employer by a UK-based organisation.
 
     
 

6. Sectors based scheme
The Sectors based scheme arrangements allow UK based employers to recruit people from outside the EEA to fill certain specified posts.

 
     
 

Employers need to be aware of the following:

 
     
 

If the position falls under the Shortage Occupation List , if it does not fall under this list, your company must first advertising the position TO prove that you have made an attempt to recruit someone in the UK.

The Shortage Occupations List is updated regularly but currently includes positions within the following categories:

 
     
 
  • Teachers
  • Doctors
  • Railway and Bridge engineers
  • Certain Telecom and Telecom related Engineering positions
  • Other miscellaneous posts e.g. Clinical Psychologist and Occupational Therapist, Veterinary Surgeons, CAA Licensed Aircraft Engineers, Pharmacists, Actuaries and Physiotherapists
 
     
 

Once the work permit has been obtained, you need to apply for entry clearance before travelling to the UK on a work permit, which is valid for six months or more. You do not need entry clearance for a work permit which is valid for less than six months. You can also apply for a work permit from within the UK , but certain condition apply.

The work permit process can take anywhere from one week to eight weeks, depending on the type of permit and the people involved. Once we have received all the relevant documents from yourself and your employer, we will submit the application for consideration without any delay. Once the permit is approved, the next stage is to apply for ‘further leave to remain' at the Home Office or Entry Clearance at your nearest British High Commission/Embassy. Once this has been stamped in your passport and you have received your approval letter, you are ready to start working. Your dependants will also be able to work in the UK without restrictions.

At the end of a successful completion of a five-year period on a work permit, you will qualify to apply for indefinite leave to remain.