Working in the UK - for all queries please call us on 020 8346 3448 or email us at brendan@bederlaw.com

The Work Permit Scheme was replaced by "Tier 2" on 27 November 2008.
This requires all employers of non European nationals to apply for a License and subsequently issue "Certificates of Sponsorship". Failure to comply may lead to civil or criminal sanction.

Please call us on 020 8346 3448 or email us on brendan@bederlaw.com to arrange for a training seminar at your offices on this major and crucial change to the UK Immigration Law.

Work permits have traditionally been applied for by the employer, not the worker and were issued for a particular post with a specific employer.
Although there are exceptions, the application should be made while the potential employee is outside of the UK.

The aim of the work permit scheme is to protect the local labour market. The individual must have a particular skill and the employer must substantiate why the foreign individual has been chosen for the position rather than a UK national. The Authorities (Work Permits UK) would normally expect the applicant to be educated to at least degree level or to hold a relevant Higher Diploma.
Optionally, they should have at least 3 years' work experience at a senior level. Applicants are also expected to have an adequate knowledge of the English language.

A work permit will normally be granted for anything up to 5 years. Should there be a change of employer, a new work permit application will have to be made. The spouse and children under the age of the 18 of the worker are entitled to come to the UK with him/her as his/her dependants.

After 5 years of residence in the country as a work permit holder, the worker is generally entitled to indefinite leave to remain (settlement).

A 'Multiple Entry Work Permits' category allows companies to apply for a permit to allow their current or future employees from abroad to enter Britain regularly, for short periods, without having to apply for a separate permit each time.