Work Permits for the United Kingdom
Expats wishing to obtain a work permit in the United Kingdom should prepare to wade through a maze of requirements and eligibility stipulations. As of 2008 the work-based immigration system of past was replaced by a points-based system, which was then modified and capped in 2011.
The system awards points depending on how well the applicant satisfies a particular set of criteria within a category of application.
Separate criteria for what seems like countless categories can prove overwhelming for those not used to unravelling red tape. Furthermore, only a certain number of visas are granted in total each year; intra-company transfers, those applying for a job with a salary of £150,000 per year and sportspersons are exempt from the cap.
As part of the new legislation in 2011, expats will need to have an employer sponsor to receive a work permit for the UK. Though this means that the administrative burden is largely shouldered by the company, it means expats will need to have a job prior to approval.
European Union nationals (EU) do not need a visa to work or live in the UK, but all other foreign nationals will need a work visa.
The criteria by which work visas are issued can be hard to understand. There are numerous schemes and skill enticements – it suffices to say that the more highly skilled and experienced you are in a desirable field, the better your chances of a smooth and speedy application process. Key fields include doctors, scientists, engineers and MBAs.
There are many different categories under which a non-EU national can apply for a UK work visa. Each has unique requirements and entitles the individual to a specific set of rights.
It is vital to note that when submitting documents for application, you must include the original document as well as a copy. The documents must be in English or Welsh and must include contact details where appropriate.
The main category that expats will be interested in will be the Tier 2 (general) grouping; the Tier 1 grouping was done away with in April 2011.
This category is for skilled workers who have a formal job offer made by a registered UK company. These workers must be able to prove that they can fill a gap in the workplace not adequately being satisfied by current UK citizens.
Each year the UK designates a list of prospective occupations marked by shortages; expats that are able to work in these fields have a higher chance of receiving a work permit than those who have a job offer from an industry sector not on the list.
In order to receive a work visa in this category it is necessary to have a "Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship", to speak an intermediate level of English, and to have proof of adequate funds (£800 in your bank account for 90 days).
An expat's sponsoring employer must first apply to the UK Border Agency and receive approval in order to issue a "Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship". The UK Border Agency will only issue approval for a set number of visas per month - 1500 per month from May 2011 to December 2012.
Approval will be granted to applicants who score the highest number of points. Points are allocated based on qualifications; future expected earnings; sponsorship; English language skills; and available maintenance (funds).
Additionally points are granted for the following:
It is vital to consult the points based calculator on the UK Border Agency site prior to preparing your application.
The system awards points depending on how well the applicant satisfies a particular set of criteria within a category of application.Separate criteria for what seems like countless categories can prove overwhelming for those not used to unravelling red tape. Furthermore, only a certain number of visas are granted in total each year; intra-company transfers, those applying for a job with a salary of £150,000 per year and sportspersons are exempt from the cap.
As part of the new legislation in 2011, expats will need to have an employer sponsor to receive a work permit for the UK. Though this means that the administrative burden is largely shouldered by the company, it means expats will need to have a job prior to approval.
European Union nationals (EU) do not need a visa to work or live in the UK, but all other foreign nationals will need a work visa.
Getting a work visa in the UK as a non-EU citizen
The criteria by which work visas are issued can be hard to understand. There are numerous schemes and skill enticements – it suffices to say that the more highly skilled and experienced you are in a desirable field, the better your chances of a smooth and speedy application process. Key fields include doctors, scientists, engineers and MBAs.
Category requirements for a UK working visa
There are many different categories under which a non-EU national can apply for a UK work visa. Each has unique requirements and entitles the individual to a specific set of rights.
It is vital to note that when submitting documents for application, you must include the original document as well as a copy. The documents must be in English or Welsh and must include contact details where appropriate.
The main category that expats will be interested in will be the Tier 2 (general) grouping; the Tier 1 grouping was done away with in April 2011.
Skilled workers with a job offer in the UK (Tier 2 - general)
This category is for skilled workers who have a formal job offer made by a registered UK company. These workers must be able to prove that they can fill a gap in the workplace not adequately being satisfied by current UK citizens.
Each year the UK designates a list of prospective occupations marked by shortages; expats that are able to work in these fields have a higher chance of receiving a work permit than those who have a job offer from an industry sector not on the list.In order to receive a work visa in this category it is necessary to have a "Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship", to speak an intermediate level of English, and to have proof of adequate funds (£800 in your bank account for 90 days).
An expat's sponsoring employer must first apply to the UK Border Agency and receive approval in order to issue a "Restricted Certificate of Sponsorship". The UK Border Agency will only issue approval for a set number of visas per month - 1500 per month from May 2011 to December 2012.
Approval will be granted to applicants who score the highest number of points. Points are allocated based on qualifications; future expected earnings; sponsorship; English language skills; and available maintenance (funds).
Additionally points are granted for the following:
- Applications for jobs on the Shortage Occupation List receive 75 points;
- Applications for which the employer conducted a Resident Labour Market Test for an occupation recognised by the UKBA as being at the PhD level receive 50 points;
- Applications for which the employer conducted a Resident Labour Market Test receive 30 points
- The foreign national’s proposed salary earns points on a sliding scale from 2 to 30 points for salaries between £20,000 and £149,000
It is vital to consult the points based calculator on the UK Border Agency site prior to preparing your application.
