Individuals looking for a job in the UK under the current system cannot apply for a work permit. The candidate must have an offer of employment first, and then the employer must apply for the work permit on the candidate's behalf. Some employers may not be aware of this, and may request that the applicant obtain a work permit before they offer you employment. However, this is clearly not possible under the Immigration Rules. We at Mulberry Finch would be happy to take on a case for either the potential employer or the applicant, but the employer will need to be involved in the application process at some stage.
Once you have been offered a job by an employer in the UK, your employer needs to make an application on your behalf. A work permit is usually granted for any period between 6 months and five years, but is often given for a 24 month period initially. This can be made through us to ensure a smooth, efficient process. Please contact us if you need an assessment of your current situation, or would like us to begin the application process. There are possibilities even if you don't have a job or a potential employer: if you are a professional with a degree from one of the fields listed as a shortage occupation and/or 3+ years of experience there are many companies in the UK who may be keen to recruit you and will be happy to obtain the necessary work permit for you. Mulberry Finch is more than happy to discuss viable options for you.
Who needs a work permit?
Any non-EEA national seeking entry or permission to remain in the UK to undertake paid or unpaid employment will usually require a work permit, although there are exceptions to this.
The following categories of employess with not need a UK Work Permit. In some cases, either another visa/permit scheme will apply. In other cases, an immigration application may not be required at all.
Nationals of European Economic Area (EEA) countries
The European Economic Area (EEA) comprises of countries with varying rights to work in the UK. EEA Nationals can work freely in the UK, with the exception of A8 Nationals.
A8 Nationals
Nationals of A8 countries need to apply for a registration certificate under the Worker Registration Scheme within one month of commencing a new job in the UK.
A2 Nationals (Romania and Bulgaria)
Romanians and Bulgarians are able to reside in any EU Member State. They will be able to reside in the UK without Entry Clearance or Limited Leave Remain. They have a right of residence without restriction for their first three months in any of the EU member state.
After three months, they will be able to remain in an EU member state if they are exercising their treaty right as a self-sufficient person, a self-employed person, or a student.
Romanians and Bulgarians will not have an automatic right to reside as a worker, unless exempt from work authorisation requirements. To work in the United Kingdom, Romanians and Bulgarians may qualify for a registration certificate or accession worker card. Family members may also qualify for a registration certificate or accession worker card or, a residence card or family member residence stamp if they are non-EEA nationals.
Holders of Indefinite Leave to Remain
Spouses, civil or unmarried partners and dependant children
Spouses, civil or unmarried partners and dependant children under 18 years of age, of a work permit holder may be admitted to the UK as the dependants of the work permit holder.
The partner, either spouse or unmaried partner, of the following people will be able to take up employment without any restrictions:
- UK Work Permit holders
- Training/Work Experience Permit holders
- Invester visa holders
- Ancestry visa holders
- Sole Representative visa holders
- Student visa holders
- EEA nationals
Please contact us for assistance regarding this aspect of your application.
Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent who was born in the UK
This is sometimes called patriality. Further details regarding the Ancestry Visa are available here.
