In order to apply for a work permit, just follow the flow chart below, or click here to go to Mulberry Finch's on-line assessment form.
Step 1
You complete the Mulberry Finch online assessment. This is a free service.
Step 2
Mulberry Finch considers the application. If there are any issues, we will contact you to resolve them. We then send you our Service Offer Letter, which you will need to sign and return to us along with documents such as the candidates qualifications, references from previous or current employers and a copy of the contract that will be put in place between the prospective employer and the candidate. As we process your application, the need for other necessary documentation will become evident. An experienced solicitor will then tailor a strategy to your individual circumstances, giving your application the greatest chance of success. We will not submit your application until we have done our utmost to ensure that you will receive the work permit!
Step 3
Mulberry Finch then makes the work permit application on your behalf which is then approved by the Home Office, and is received within 5 to 10 working days. We then courier the work permit to you. If the candidate is outside the UK, we can also prepare a case for them to obtain Entry Clearance from the British High Commission, Embassy, or Consulate in their home country. If the candidate is already in the UK on another immigration status, we can prepare a case for them to obtain further leave to remain. Mulberry Finch is extremely proficient at handling these applications, so please don't hesitate to contact us for a fast, efficient service.
Application times
Work permits that are valid for less than 6 months can sometimes be issued within 24 or 48 hours, however it will usually between 5 and 10 working days to process a permit that is valid for more than 6 months. Because of increased security clearance procedures, work permit applications can take considerably longer for nationals of North Korea, Libya, Iraq, China (PRC) and Russia.
In most cases, entry clearance applications to the UK may take another one or two weeks after the Work Permit is issued. During the application process, the candidate is allowed to visit the UK. However, until the permit is approved they are not allowed to begin work. It is possible to participate in activities permitted for Business Visitors. If a candidate is found to be employed in breach of their visa conditions they will be treated as an illegal entrant, where they may be simply walked off site and onto a plane, without the right of appeal.
Entry clearance
Once a Work Permit has been granted, the original document will be sent to the candidate as they will need it in their possession before they enter the UK. All UK work permit holders staying for longer than six months also need to get a visa, known formally as Entry Clearance, before traveling to the UK.
The only circumstance in which the candidate does not need Entry Clearance is if they are not a visa national and they have a Work Permit for less than six months. In this instance, they can simply arrive in the UK with their Work Permit and passport, which should be valid for at least six months from the date of entry. On presenting these documents to the immigration officer at the port of entry, such individuals should be granted entry for the duration of the work permit.
All other foreign nationals who seek to come to the UK for more than six months need to apply for Entry Clearance at the nearest British Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in their home country or country of normal residence prior to travelling to the UK. There is also a requirement that the spouse and dependents of the Work Permit holder apply for Entry Clearance. Mulberry Finch will advise you on how to go about successfully obtaining Entry Clearance.
