Who can make an application for a UK Work Permit?

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 fastUKpermit 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. fastUKpermit 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 people can take up any lawful employment in the UK and do not need a work permit.

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 not need Entry Clearance or Leave Remain to reside in the UK. They have a right of residence in any EU Member State for the first three months on an unrestricted basis and can remain resident in that state as long as they wish, providing that they are exercising a treaty right as a student, a self-employed person, or a self-sufficient economically inactive person.

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 the issue of a registration certificate or accession worker card. Family members may also qualify for the issue of a registration certificate or accession worker card or, if they are non-EEA nationals, a residence card or family member residence stamp.

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 spouse/unmarried partner of an EEA national, Work Permit holder, Training Permit Holder, Sole Representative, Investor, Student, Ancestry Visa holder will not have any restrictions on the employment they take up. A dependant of a work permit holder is free to work in the UK as long as the endorsement in their passport places no restriction on their employment in the UK. Please contact us for assistance regarding this aspect of a work permit application.