How to Apply for a Working Visa in the UK
Applying for a working visa in the United Kingdom is a relatively straightforward task, but you should be sure to follow all of the steps correctly. One faulty error can lead to your application being rejected, and appealing a rejection is a very difficult, lengthy process. You should keep in mind that only those who already have some sort of guaranteed job offer in the UK will be able to get a working visa. In other words, you can’t apply for a working visa in order to go to the UK and search for a job.
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Things You'll Need
- Passport
- Computer
- Address in the UK
- E-mail address
- Passport-size color photo of yourself
- Visa fee
- Letter of support from employer
- Proof of work qualifications
Instructions
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Determine which of the six types of work permit you should apply for. The UK offers work permits in the following categories: business and commercial; sports people and entertainers; employees working in the UK on the GATS (Global Agreement on Trade in Services) scheme; workers from Romania and Bulgaria working in the UK on the Sectors Based Scheme; those entering the UK on the Training and Work Experience Scheme; and multiple entry work permits.
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Gather your supporting materials. This should include a letter of support from your employer, a proof of your qualifications (such as a copy of any relevant diplomas or degrees and a resume), a color passport-sized photo of yourself taken recently and the visa fee. If you already have an address in the UK, you will be asked to provide this. You should also have a valid e-mail address, and will be expected to pay an application fee.
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Apply online. Visa4UK is the official British government website for online visa applications. Since the United Kingdom utilizes a complicated points-based system for visas, this website will help you determine which type of work visa you should apply for.
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Tips & Warnings
If you lie, provide a false document or withhold important information in your application, you can be banned from entering the United Kingdom for 10 years. You could also face up to two years in prison, a fine or both.
Note that your dependents will also have to apply for a visa in order to join you in the United Kingdom.
References
- Photo Credit passport image by isatori from Fotolia.com
