Apply for work permit uk
Applying for your first work permit in the UK can be an intimidating process, particularly because there are so many steps involved and you’ll likely be expected to do them all yourself, especially when it comes to gathering documents and filling out paperwork. Click the link below to apply:
The good news is that with careful planning, effective follow-through, and a bit of patience, you can get through the entire application process without any major hiccups—and with a result that will have you working in the UK before you know it! Read on to learn about some of the top tips for applying for a work permit in the UK.
SEE: Work permit for international students in Canada
Make Sure you are Eligible
Before you can apply, your employer needs to obtain confirmation from one of 26 designated competent authorities that they’re able to recruit someone from outside of Europe. This is done using an ‘Intra-Company Transfer’ (ICT) visa.
The ICT visa is only available if certain conditions are met: firstly, you must be employed by a company based outside of Britain; secondly, your job must have been advertised and offered to local workers; thirdly, there must be no suitable candidates available locally; and finally, it must be demonstrated that you will be working in an executive or managerial capacity.
The ICT permit lasts for up to five years and allows multiple entries into Britain during its lifetime. Once granted, it gives you permission to live and work in Britain on a full-time basis. You can also bring family members with you – but there are strict rules about who qualifies as a family member.
Get Help from Professionals
Filling out paperwork isn’t easy, especially if you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing. Luckily, there are plenty of resources that can help walk you through getting your work permit. For example, getting started with business visas has an excellent list of documents and links to apply online (in English).
If you have more complicated requirements or circumstances, it might be helpful to reach out to a lawyer or immigration professional who can advise you on how best to proceed. This is particularly true if you don’t speak fluent English.
Create a Spreadsheet of your Expenses
It’s easier to make decisions about spending when you can compare your expenses with previous months. Having an idea of how much you’re spending helps you be aware of where your money is going, so create and update a spreadsheet each month listing all your expenses.
Make sure you include categories like rent, utilities, cell phone, and entertainment costs – whatever applies to your situation. There are also many helpful apps available that will simplify expense tracking.
Set yourself Realistic Targets
If you have your heart set on an international career, remember that there are many steps involved. Planning when to apply and what to do during each step of your journey will help ensure you achieve your goals.
Start by becoming familiar with all your options and think about which category is right for you: General, Creative, Intra-Company Transfer, or Graduate Entrepreneur?
Know what the Job Market Looks like
The first thing you need to do before applying for a work permit is to find out what companies are looking to hire foreign workers. Don’t go into an interview blind—take some time to do research and explore potential job opportunities.
Remember that while it’s important to broaden your horizons and seek jobs outside of your field, you should still apply to positions related to your academic background. Since applications can be expensive, get as much information as possible ahead of time by attending job fairs and networking with recruiters.
More often than not, they will have access to comprehensive listings of all current openings that may fit your needs.
