Jump to content

Work permit (United Kingdom)

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from UK work permit)

The UK Work Permit scheme was an immigration category designed to encourage skilled workers to enter the United Kingdom (UK). It was operational until November 2008, when it was replaced by the points-based immigration system. The scheme provided opportunities for overseas citizens seeking to gain international work experience in the UK and facilitated the transfer of key personnel from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) region.

Key Features of the Work Permit Scheme

[edit]
  • Job Offer Requirement: A valid job offer from a viable UK employer was necessary for a work permit application. The permit was specific to an individual, role, and company, and the holder had to support themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds.
  • Application Process: The sponsoring company was responsible for applying for the work permit on behalf of the prospective employee.
  • Dependants: Work permit holders could apply for their dependants to join them in the UK. Dependants were permitted to work without restriction.
  • Employer Change: To change employers, the prospective employer needed to apply to the UK Border Agency to transfer the work permit before the individual could commence work with the new employer.

Eligibility Criteria

[edit]
  • Duration: Work permits could be issued for periods ranging from 1 to 3 months, depending on the sponsoring company's request and the Home Office's discretion.
  • Position: The role required to meet National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 3 or above. Certain professions necessitated registration with the relevant governing body (e.g., doctors with the General Medical Council).
  • Education: Eligibility required one of the following:
    • A degree;
    • A Higher National Diploma (HND) relevant to the position;
    • An HND not relevant to the position plus one year of relevant full-time work experience at NVQ level 3 or above.
  • Entry Clearance/Leave to Remain: Once authorized, the work permit holder was responsible for applying for the appropriate leave to remain in the UK or entry clearance if applying from overseas.
  • Shortage Occupations: If the position was on the shortage occupation list, the employer was not required to meet the advertising criteria. Otherwise, the employer had to advertise the position in a government-accredited place for a set period and demonstrate that the applicant was the most qualified.
  • Spouse/Civil Partners: A work permit holder's partner could apply for entry clearance as a dependant, provided they were married or in a civil partnership. The partner was eligible to seek and take employment in the UK.

Transition to Points-Based System

[edit]

In the third quarter of 2008, the Work Permit scheme was replaced by the points-based immigration system, specifically Tier 2 for skilled workers. This transition also encompassed other provisions, including those for ministers of religion, airport-based operational ground staff, overseas-qualified nurses or midwives, student union sabbatical posts, seafarers, named researchers, Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES), Jewish agency employees, and overseas representatives (news media).

Future Considerations Post-Brexit

[edit]

Following the UK's departure from the European Union, citizens of the EU may require a work permit to work in the UK. If the UK establishes an EEA agreement, EU citizens might not need a permit, similar to the arrangement with Norway. Without such an agreement, EU citizens would likely need work permits, akin to the requirements for Swiss citizens. The same principles would apply to UK citizens in EU countries, depending on the existence of an EEA agreement.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]


Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Work_permit_(United_Kingdom)&oldid=1295284743"