UK Work Permits

A UK work permit is a document issued by The UK Border Agency, which administers work permit applications on behalf of the UK government.  Their web site can be found at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk

A work permit gives your employer permission to employ you in a specific job at a specific location.  Individuals cannot apply for a work permit on their own behalf; applications can only be made by employers based in Great Britain who want to employ a person to work in England, Scotland or Wales.

There are a number categories under which work permit applications can be made. The Working in the UK link on the www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk website provides detailed information
  
Following the links above will provide you with comprehensive information about work permit applications.  Downloadable application forms are also available on the UK Border Agency website by going to Working in the UK, click on the category that applies to you on the two pages that follow and then select 'Applying' from the list on the left hand side.

Decisions on business and commercial work permit applications are based on a number of considerations.  There are two main categories of application:

Tier 1 can be used for highly-skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs and post-study workers (graduates of United Kingdom universities).

Tier 2 applications must be used for sponsored skilled workers with a job offer including ministers of religion and sports people.

They require evidence of employment history, lack of availability of suitably qualified 'resident workers', completion of an appropriate recruitment search, and details of the responses to all methods of recruitment.

Tier 5 is a new category for temporary workers including arrangements for young people visiting the UK.

The length of your work permit will depend on a number of factors.  It is normally possible to extend a short-term permit, so you shouldn't be too worried if your permit is for a shorter period than required.  After 5 years residence in the UK on a work permit, you will normally be able to obtain permanent residency.  Although work permits were previously not issued for more than 4 years, it is now possible to obtain a 5 year work permit since many permit holders need to travel frequently.  Multiple entry work permits can be granted for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 2 years; this type of permit allows workers based overseas to enter the UK numerous times for a short period without having to apply for a new work permit each time.

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