Workpermit Guide , UK Immigration

The most important thing to understand in UK work permits is that in the UK the employer applies for the work permit and the the work permit is granted for a particular employee. If you are an individual hoping to work in the UK, you cannot apply for a work permit. If you have a work permit for the UK, you can't change jobs without getting a new work permit.

Work permits are visas for non UK people who have a job offer and the company offering the job is prepared to sponsor the applicant, to allow them to work in the UK.

As a result of serious skills shortages in the UK the government has announced changes to policy so work permits can be obtained and issued more easily. One of the biggest changes is a 'fast-track' work permit which will allow workers in areas of shortage to enter the UK on working visas easily.

The aim of fast-tracking these visas is to ease the burden on employers by allowing them to hire non-EU staff. In the past employers had to prove that no other EU candidate could do the job.

Work permit extensions have also been increased from four to five years, and it will be easier for employers to renew work permits, including the stamping of passports.

The government hopes to cut down the processing time for 80 percent of the applications to one week by early next year.

While it is still necessary to have a job offer with the employer being prepared to sponsor the employee, a qualification and work experience are now not required.

New criteria require either:

• A university degree
• A diploma level qualification relevant to the position
• A diploma level qualification not relevant to the position and 1 years relevant work experience.
• A minimum of 3 years work experience specifically related to the job.

To get a work permit in the UK your skills must be of an acceptable level. For example secretarial work does not qualify. The job has to show responsibility.

You should have qualifications at degree level, appropriate postgraduate qualifications, HND Higher National Diploma level, or NVQ National Vocational Qualification at the right level backed up by suitable experience. If you need to be registered with the appropriate UK professional organisation (for example GMC, RCVS) then this is proof of high level skills.

If it is a management or senior executive position then you need to show several years' senior experience. It is also possible to have a permit issued for a job requiring high-level technical or similar skills and substantial relevant experience.

There are also work permit categories for Sports People and Entertainers.

There is a low skill level category currently for Food Manufacturing which can give a 1 year permit.