Work Permit in UK: To work in the United Kingdom, you must obtain a work visa to be employed in the country legally. There are several different types of work visas available for foreigners who are interested in working in the UK.
There are a few categories that these permits are listed under such as, temporary work visas, exchange worker visas, and seasonal work visas.
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Many times it depends on what type of occupation you will perform in UK that decides which valid visa is best for you. Some other factors that affect which visa is best for you can include whether you have a relationship with an employer, how long you’ll be employed in the United Kingdom, and what degree of skill it takes to perform the job.
Why a UK Work Permit is Necessary
Working in the UK is a sought-after goal for people from across the globe. In most cases, foreign nationals wishing to work in the United Kingdom will be required to apply for a UK work visa.
There are many U.K work visas available, and applicants must determine which ones they are eligible, and how to apply correctly and prepare documentation.
Note: Employers must verify that their employees are authorized to work in the United Kingdom. Permanent residents, asylees, refugees and certain nonimmigrants have employment authorization as a direct result of their immigration status.
Types of UK Working Visa
The following types of UK work visa are currently available:
1. These visas are meant for highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students living outside the European Union (EU) and EEA. These candidates do not need a job offer to apply.
2. Skilled workers, professional sportspeople, and clergy members outside the EEA can apply for a visa within tier two when they have a job offer and can fill gaps within the country’s labor force.
3. Tier three visas were meant for low-skilled workers providing temporary labor. However, the government decided not to accept immigrants from outside the EU for tier three positions and have since removed these visas.
4. Students over age 16 from outside the EEA should apply for a tier four visa if they want to study at a school, college, or university in the country.
5. This category has six sub-tiers of temporary workers related to creative and sporting positions, charity, religious workers, and young people who work in the UK on working holidays.
UK Work Visa Requirements
The requirements for a United Kingdom working visa vary based on which tier and visa your employees need. Tier two encompasses most long-term visas except for the special talent mentioned in tier one. The tier two general UK work visa is the most common for companies expanding, as it’s for people outside the EEA and Switzerland who have a job offer in the UK.
All general work visa applicants must have an employer or a licensed sponsor. Although the requirements vary by type of work permit, the most common include:
1. Valid passport – which needs to be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the U.S and an additional six months after you return
2. UK visa photo – which you need to upload when you fill out the online application form.
3. The Receipt Number, which you can find on your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (I-129 Form) which your employer filed.
4. A confirmation page that you have completed your Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160 Form).
5. Receipt that proves that you have paid the application fee. For UK work visas, the application fee is £575. There might also be additional fees that apply to your location, so you should check with your local UK Embassy about more details.
6. Proof that you will return to your home country after your work in the UK ends. Examples of how you can prove you will return from the U.S include the following:
- Submitting your economic situation
- Your family relationships
- Any long term plans you might have
- Residence that you plan on returning to
Besides these general requirements, which apply to all those who want to get a UK work visa, there might also be other documents which you need to submit. You should contact your local UK Embassy for more detailed information.
How to Apply for UK Work Visa
You can submit your visa application at the UK visa application center in your home country. There is a list of UK visa application centers worldwide here. You can also apply online through the UK Home Office Visas and Immigration Service website.
The documents you must provide depend on the type of visa you’re applying for. If you’re applying for a Tier 2 (General) visa, you must provide:
1. A valid passport or travel ID
2. Evidence that you can support yourself financially (e.g., bank statements, sponsor confirmation)
3. Proof of English language ability
4. Proof of payment of the healthcare surcharge
Your work visa length depends on the length of your employment contract. You may extend it if you don’t exceed the maximum length for your visa type. Apply online or at a UK visa premium service center.
Can mine Application for a UK Work Permit Visa be Denied?
Yes. There are three reasons why your work permit may be denied.
The first is if you filled out the work permit application form (I-765) incorrectly, forgot to sign it, or left out a required element.
The second, less common reason for denial is that your UK work permit visa application is processed so quickly that you already have an approved UK before your work permit application is finished being processed. This is a good (if rare) problem to have, since once you have a green card, you don’t need a separate work permit in order to legally work.
The last reason is that you weren’t deemed eligible at this time and you do not qualify for this specific permit.
