You’re probably thinking what is a work permit? Well, a work permit is a document, that allows people (mainly foreign people) to get a job in a country. This blog will help you understand all about work permits in the UK.
Work Permit Requirements
Are you thinking about immigrating to the UK? Then you may want to consider having a work permit. Sometimes, guidelines can be altered when it comes to immigration, or people staying in the UK for a long period of time. Browsing Work in the UK will help you with all the information that you’ll require to work in the UK
Work Permits to stay in the UK
Some people might not know this, but you can stay in the UK for up to 6 months, and not have a work permit visa. Whether that would be visiting family relatives or looking for vacancies. However, if you would like to stay for a longer period in the UK, then you’ll need to gain a work permit, by visiting Welcome to GOV.UK to go through the immigration points-based system so that you’re eligible to work in the UK. This system also helps with finding skills and talent from all over the world.
Getting Offered Vacancies in the UK
One of the most vital questions that are often asked is – Would you be able to find work, minus a job offer? In the majority of cases, to be eligible to work in the UK, you need to have been offered a vacancy or if you’re currently working, you would need to be relocated to a UK company branch. A graduate visa, lets people who’ve completed specific courses in the UK, are then given a decision of whether or not they would like to stay in the UK for a longer period and search for a job.
Vacancy Visas
There are a variety of diverse vacancies visas in the UK, whether it is for a short or long length of time. You should consider the following when looking for work:
- Family/Relatives – people might want to consider bringing their loved ones over and immigrating to the UK if they were to get a job in the UK.
- Various Job Type – the type of work that you want to do.
- Qualifications/Skills – If you want a specific job in the UK, then think about if you have got the right qualifications/skills that are required for your desired job.
Spouse/Partner Visa – Sterling law is great for if your other half or business partner wants to move to the UK, but aren’t a British citizen.
Below are examples of visas.
Long Term Visa
Skilled Worker
- Employed by an accepted employer, by working in a passing role
- Approved for 5 years
- Need to have a job to obtain this visa.
Intra – Company
- Known as a ‘Transfer’ and/or ‘Graduate’ trainee.
- If you are being transported, then this is the visa for you, and this will let you stay in the UK, to work with your employer.
Health and Care Worker
- Mainly considered for medically trained professionals that would like to come to the UK to work.
- You won’t need to pay a healthcare surcharge, but this means you may need to check if you’re meeting suitability standards.
Temporary Visa
Seasonal Worker
- For people who want to work in the UK for up to 6 months.
- Only maintained for people aged 18 and above.
Graduate
- For people who want to stay in the UK for a maximum of 2 years, and complete a chosen course in the UK
- If you’re studying for a PhD, the maximum is 3 years.
- Other courses can consist of a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree
Creative and Sporting
- Used for professionals in an industry, such as performers and musicians.
- Used by people involved in sports, to come and temporarily work in the UK, for up to 12 months.
Getting Work Permits when you’re Self Employed
The above visas might not apply to anyone wanting to go down a diverse route, so the following could be more custom-made to you.
Innovator
These are designed for people who are coming over to the UK and starting up an advanced business. To do this, you must be aged at least 18, and the business must be unique. This will allow you to stay in the UK for a maximum of 3 years before it has to be converted.
Startup
This is also designed for people who want to start up an advanced business. This is pretty much the same as an innovator. Unlike an innovator, this will allow you to stay in the UK for 2 years without having the option to reintroduce the business.
Work Permit Costs
The costs related to finding the right to work in the UK vary depending on the visa and/or permit. However, they are typically used in the form of an application fee, a healthcare surcharge, and money to support you when you attain in the UK.
Below are some of the most current visas and coarsely how much you, and any associated family members or relatives, can assume to pay. There are application fee discounts available to people of certain populations.
| Work Visa/Permit | Cost of Application Fee | Healthcare Surcharge | Savings |
| Skilled Worker | Between £600 and £1,500 | Around £625 per individual | Around £1,715 per person |
| Intra-Company | Between £600 and £1,500 | Around £625 per individual | Around £1,715 per individual |
| Health and Care Worker | Around £230 (up to 3 years). Around £460 (longer than 3 years) | N/A | Around £1,715 per individual |
| Seasonal Worker (Temporary) | Around £240 | Around £620 per year | Around £1,715 per individual |
| Graduate (Temporary) | Around £710 | Around £620 per year | N/A |
| Creative and Sporting (Temporary) | Around £245 per individual | Around £620 per year | Around £1,715 per individual |
| Innovator (Other) | Between £1,020 and £1,280 per individual | Around £620 per year | Around £1,715 |
| Start-up (Other) | Between £360 and £500 per individual | Around £620 per year | Around £1,715 |
Permit to Work System
A permit-to-work system is an official written system that is used to manage specific varieties of work that are theoretically very hazardous. The permit to work stipulates the work be completed and the defences are taken. Permits to work forms are a crucial part of safe systems of work for predominantly perilous care events. They let work begin once the dangers have been measured and eradicated or organised by classifying safe procedures that will not generate more dangers.
The system also has a record that the dangers and jeopardies have been thoroughly measured and eliminated. To be operative in a permit-to-work system, they have to be wisely and thoroughly monitored. A permit-to-work system will only be as moral as the running exertion that is put into maintaining the system.
This specific system will outline the work that needs to be completed and classify the mechanisms mandatory for that job. The system can’t be a common document because it rubs on for just one job and is a result of the thought of the exact job to be done, labelling exactly what is there to be completed, where it will be completed, how it is to be completed and who is official to do it.
WPS – The most sophisticated work permit system is an example of how a permit to work system works and how it can benefit companies.
Conclusion
Overall, once you’ve read this blog, there will be a lot to think about, but you’ll soon begin to understand that it is quite expensive when thinking about applying for a work permit. Going through the government website, as linked above work permit requirements, you’ll be able to see what you need to apply for a work permit. B&F Services offer can help you with UK Visa applications and help with succeeding your business. We are here to assist you.
