How to Get a UK Work Permit

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Coming to Britain and trying to obtain a work permit can seem like a Catch-22 situation. Many jobs will state that applicants need work permits, and if you go to an employer, he may well tell you to go and get the permit yourself before you can have the job. It seems impossibile for some people to get a UK work permit, but there are some rules that allow the permit to be granted.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Be qualified in Information Technology. IT is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the world and companies are crying out for qualified IT staff. If you have a good degree in IT or have at least three years IT experience, there are many British employers with vacancies who will be more than willing to get a UK work permit for you.

Step2

If you are a migrant worker with skills that are in short supply in the UK, you may be eligible to apply through the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). If you meet HSMP criteria, you likely will be granted a permit.

Step3

There are a few websites that can arrange to get you a UK work permit. You must first have received an offer of employment and made the employer aware that you can take the job within a few months. Then you arrange for the work permit yourself through one of the websites. One such website that specialises in this process is www.workpermit.com.

Step4

If you are a national of a European Economic Area (EEA), you would be permitted to work in the UK without a work permit. The EEA is made up of the 25 EU member states, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

Step5

Marry someone in the UK and you'll be permitted to work without a work permit. If you are married to an EEA member who is already living and working in the UK, the same rule applies. If your husband or wife is a UK work permit holder, you should also be able to work in the UK.

Tips & Warnings

If you cannot obtain a work permit, there are certain visas available that will allow you to work in the UK.
Under no circumstances should you work in the UK illegally. The penalties for doing this are severe.