11/12/2020
UK Work Permits & Visas
The UK is an excellent place to work, whether you’re a British citizen, or coming to work from overseas. The country has an unrivalled wealth of opportunity for native and foreign workers alike, and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and welcoming spirit towards immigrant communities.
In order to work in the UK, you will require a UK working visa or work permit if your country of origin is outside of the European Economic Area (EEA). The application process for a UK visa can be either complex, or relatively straightforward depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of your application.
A work permit is usually needed for workers who are coming to the UK as a result of having already secured a formal offer of work from an eligible UK company with the relevant Sponsor Licence, or if you are being relocated to the UK by your current employer. Alternatively, if you have a skill that is deemed as being in short supply in the UK by the Government, then you may be eligible for a visa to come on the basis that jobs in your sector would be widely available for you to secure.
Am I eligible for a UK work visa?
Your eligibility will be assessed according to your background, education, qualifications, work history and achievements, amongst other things. As the UK system consists of multiple types of visa category, it is of paramount importance that you select the right permit or visa type to suit your individual application and experience. You should speak to your employer and to one of our expert immigration advisors and solicitors to ensure that the visa category you are applying for is the one that most closely reflects your needs.
What type of work permit will I need?
There are a number of types of work permit for the UK and the type of application you make will vary based on your situation. Tier 1 Visas have a number of subclasses that allow for exceptionally talented individuals, entrepreneurs and investors. Tier 2 Visas also have a number of varieties that cater for those who are moving country but staying with the same employer, as well as those who are moving as a result of having secured a UK-based job.
In all instances, you will be required to fit a number of criteria to prove your eligibility for the relevant permit/visa. It is absolutely crucial to your application that the correct documents and evidence is submitted along with the relevant forms in order to avoid rejection. Getting the right documents to support your eligibility can be the difference between having your permit granted or rejected, and there are thousands of cases every year that are turned down due to having incorrect or insufficient paperwork.
You can find out the type of visa you will need based on your circumstances by using our Visa Wizard.
How can IAS help me?
The Immigration Advice Service is here to assist with all types of UK visa and work permit applications. Our immigration advisors, many of whom are trained to the standard of immigration solicitors, are specialists in their field and have extensive amounts of experience in making successful applications. We can prepare and review your application to ensure that it is in the right format, filled in correctly and that you have provided accurate and extensive supporting documentation, giving you the very best chance of successfully securing your work permit and continuing your career in the UK with as smooth a transition as possible.
To ensure you give yourself the best chance of getting a successful outcome and having your visa granted, get in touch with one of our immigration advisers and solicitors, who would be happy to answer any further questions you may have, and assist you throughout the process.
