Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)

The purpose of Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) is to enable individuals to gain skills and experience through work-based learning, which builds on their previous education and training and which they intend to use on their return overseas. You must have a UK employer willing to employ you under this scheme. This scheme is generally for people from developing countries; however it is possible to meet the scheme's requirements even if you do not come from a developing country. If you would like further information and personal advice on the Training & Work Experience Scheme (TWES) Work Permits, please complete the simple query form below.

The position you take up must be additional to the normal staffing requirements of the employer. Your employer should know that if the person is there to fill a position that would otherwise be filled by a ?resident worker?, they should apply for a Business & Commercial Work Permit. This also applies to applications to employ trainee workers who will be filling a vacancy whilst undergoing on the job training, for example trainee accountants, solicitors and pharmacists.

The idea behind Training permits is that overseas people can receive training not available to them in their homeland but of use to them there. You need to be awarded a professional qualification or occupational skill as a result of the training scheme. In order to be eligible for being granted a position on a TWES, you need the relevant educational or professional qualifications. Your employer must pay you on training permits wages and other conditions equivalent to those offered in other on-the-job training in the area.

The training permit scheme can permit you to enter the UK for up to 3 years. This scheme is similar to the work permit scheme in that it is the employer who must make the application, and that the application is considered by Work Permits (UK). Generally you are not allowed to transfer from a training permit to a work permit.

Who makes the application?

The application for TWES permit is made by an organisation or employer to bring in a non-EU citizen for the purposes of training towards a professional or specialist qualification, or practical work experience. This scheme is therefore not for the company?s benefit, but for people and companies from overseas to benefit from skills gained and training facilities available in the UK.

How and when do I apply?

An application is made on behalf of your employer. If you are outside the UK at the time we make this application, we will send you the TWES permit which has been issued. TWES permit holders who are non-EEA nationals (including non-visa nationals) who wish to come to the UK for more than 6 months must obtain entry clearance at the nearest British Consulate before travelling. This is normally granted for the full period of your stay as stated on the work permit. TWES permit holders who are non-visa nationals have a permit for 6 months or less are not required to obtain entry clearance.

If you are already in the UK at the time fastUKpermit makes the application for you, the Home Office normally issues a letter of permission rather than a TWES permit. We will then help you to apply for further Leave to Remain. Normally you should apply no more than six months before you would like to come into the country.

Extension applications

fastUKpermit can also apply for an extension to your TWES permit if you are already in the UK. You need to contact us to make the application before your permit to stay in the country runs out. Please see us at least one month, but no more than three months, before this date, so that we may make the application for you.

What do I need to do if I wish to change my employer?

A person admitted to the UK as a TWES permit holder is admitted on the condition that they will be employed in the post, and at the address specified on the permit. You can however change your employer, provided your employer contacts us to make an application on your behalf. This has to be done before you leave your current TWES or within a month of your TWES ending with their previous employer.

There is also a condition that you will be doing the same type of training or work experience.

What if I have dependants?

The spouse or unmarried partner and children of a TWES work permit holder may be admitted to the UK as dependants. The conditions of their stay do not normally place any restrictions on their taking employment or engaging in business. If your dependant is granted less than 6 months leave they will not normally be allowed to take up employment.

Can I switch from a TWES to another type of permit?

The only categories of applicants that can switch to a TWES permit without having to leave the UK are students. You will not be allowed to transfer from a TWES to work permit employment.