Working in the UK

Thinking of living and working in the United Kingdom? If you are not a citizen of a country which is a member of the European Economic Area (EEA), or a Commonwealth citizen with at least one grandparent born in the UK, the chances are that you will need a Work Permit.

In addition to a Work Permit, you may require entry clearance, more usually known as a visa, to enter the United Kingdom. For information about whether or not you require a visa, visa application forms and guidance leaflets, visit the Joint Entry Clearance Unit website.

European Economic Area countries Nationals of these countries do not require Work Permits to work in the UK: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

Commonwealth citizens Working Holiday Visa Commonwealth citizens between the ages of 17 and 27 without commitments requiring them to earn a regular wage (for example dependent children) can apply for a working holiday visa. Holders of such visas can work in the UK for a maximum of two years, but the type of work that they do should not be a continuation of their careers - those qualified in a profession or vocation will generally need a Work Permit to work in their field. United Kingdom Ancestry Entry Clearance Commonwealth citizens with at least one grandparent born in the UK can apply for United Kingdom Ancestry Entry Clearance. Holders of such visas are allowed to live and work in the UK for four years without requiring a work permit. After four years, they become eligible to apply to live permanently in the UK as long as they continue to meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules for UK ancestry and they have worked for four years continuously in the UK.

Employers must consider the eligibility of job applicants to work in the country because under the Asylum and Immigration Act of 1996, any company that employs a person who does not have permission to be in - or to work in - the UK is committing a criminal offence.

Work Permits Formerly known as the Overseas Labour Service, Work Permits (UK) provides information on the Work Permit scheme, application forms, guidance on how to apply and information on how to make applications by email. If you do not fall into one of the categories detailed above, it is likely that, in order to work in the UK, you will require a Work Permit. You cannot apply for your own Work Permit - this must be done on your behalf by a UK-based employer needing to employ someone to work in England, Scotland or Wales. Work Permits are not issued for unskilled jobs. This doesn't mean that you can work in an unskilled job without a Work Permit. You need a Work Permit for all jobs regardless of skill level unless your immigration status allows you to work without a Work Permit. Work Permits are more readily issued for positions where there are skill shortages, for example, nursing and IT. Visit the Work Permits (UK) website for the current Skill Shortage Occupations List. For further information on Immigration Rules, immigration controls, permission to stay, citizenship and asylum, contact the Immigration and Nationality Directorate of the Home Office.

Useful contacts Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate The Immigration and Nationality Directorate (IND) of the Home Office is responsible for immigration policy and controls on-entry and after entry into the United Kingdom. Immigration enquiries: Immigration and Nationality Directorate Block C, Whitgift Centre Wellesley Road Croydon CR9 1AT Telephone: +44 (0)870 606 7766 Nationality general enquiries: Immigration and Nationality Policy Directorate 3rd Floor, India Buildings Water Street Liverpool L2 0QN Telephone: +44 (0)151 237 5200 Immigration Advisory Service (IAS) The IAS is an independent charity which gives free and confidential advice, assistance and representation to people who are applying for entry clearance to the UK. IAS County House 190 Great Dover Street London SE1 4YB Telephone: +44 (0)20 7378 9191 Email: advice@ias.org Foreign and Commonwealth Office The British Government department responsible for overseas relations and foreign affairs, through its London headquarters and its Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates throughout the world. FCO King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH. General enquiries: +44 (0)20 7270 1500 Consular enquiries: +44 (0)20 7008 0218 Travel advice: +44 (0)20 7008 0232/0233 Visa enquiries: +44 (0)20 7238 3838 Joint Entry Clearance Unit The Joint Entry Clearance Unit is a joint initiative by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office, offering a one-stop-shop entry clearance service. Visa application forms, guidance leaflets and a list of UK Overseas Missions are available from the website. JECU 89 Albert Embankment London SE1 7TP Telephone: +44 (0)20 7238 3858 Fax: +44 (0)20 7238 3759/3761 Email: visas.foruk@jecu.mail.fco.gov.uk