Do you need a Visa to work in the UK?

If you are interested in applying for positions in the UK you will need to have a valid work permit. Individuals from countries outside the European Economic Area must be in possession of a work permit to allow them to take up employment.

Nationals from the following countries do not need a work permit to take up employment in the UK:

European Community law grants EEA nationals a right to live and work in the United Kingdom. This is called a right of residence. For more information on immigration to the UK take a look at the website of the British Home Office www.homeoffice.gov.uk

The Home Office's Immigration & Nationality Directorate is responsible for immigration policy and the UK's on-entry and after-entry controls.

Therefore if you need more information about an immigration matter then we advise you to contact The Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate in writing or by telephone:

Immigration and Nationality Directorate
Block C
Whitgift Centre
Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 1AT

Telephone numbers are as follows: ·

If the above information doesn't answer your query then call 0870 606 7766
· For recorded information on overseas visitors, call 020 8760 1600
· For recorded information on overseas students, call 020 8760 1622
· For recorded information on work permit holders, call 020 8760 1644
· For recorded information for employers, call 020 8649 7878
· To order copies of leaflets, call 020 8649 7878
· To ask for an application form, call 0870 241 0645
· For return of passports, call 0870 608 1592

Lines are open from 9am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm Friday.

Alternatively BCL Immigration Services can provide preliminary advice and assistance - Tel: (+44) (0) (20) 7495 3999 / fax: (+44) (0) (20) 7495 3991 or visit their website at http://www.visa-free.com

Obtaining an application form
Since November 25, 1996 application forms have been compulsory for all applications to stay in the UK (except applications for asylum and applications under EC Law).

Application forms can be downloaded from the Immigration & Nationality Directorate website by visiting http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/in_touch/in_touch_1.html The forms can be downloaded from these pages in pdf format, which can then be viewed and printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader software. If you do not have the software it can be downloaded from the site. All the forms should be printed on plain white A4 paper.

Alternatively you may obtain pre-printed copies of all application forms by telephoning the Application Forms Unit (AFU) on 0870 241 0645. The AFU telephone lines are open Monday-Thursday 9am to 4.45pm and Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

Completion of an application form is compulsory for all applications to stay in the UK (except applications for asylum and applications under EC Law)

There are 7 different forms and it is very important to speed up your application that you use the right form. We have included a brief guide to which forms are relevant to your situation, but if you are in any doubt as to which form to fill out then contact the Immigration & Nationality Directorate's telephone enquiry service. (See above)

Form FLR (M)
This form should be used for an extension of stay application in the United Kingdom as the spouse of a person present and settled here.

Form FLR (O)
This form should be used for an extension of stay application in the United Kingdom, unless you are a student, a work permit holder, or the husband or wife of a person settled in the United Kingdom. This includes the following categories:

Visitor
· Doctor or dentist in postgraduate training
· Au Pair
· Seasonal worker at an agricultural camp
· Member of the crew of a ship, aircraft, hovercraft, hydrofoil or train.
· United Kingdom ancestry
· Employment which does not require a work permit (e.g. Minister of Region)
· Writer artist or composer
· Private medical treatment
· Other

Form FLR (S)
This form should be used for an extension of stay application as a student or a student nurse.

Form SET (M)
This form should be used to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as the spouse of a person who is present and settled here.

Form SET (O)
This form should be used to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom if you have completed, or are nearing completion, four years of continuous leave to remain in the United Kingdom in one of the following categories:

Work permit employment
· United Kingdom ancestry
· Employment which does not require a work permit such as minister of region
· Writer, artist or composer

You should not use this form when applying as the husband, wife or other family member of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom.

Form SET (F)
This form should be used to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a family member (other than husband or wife) of a person present and settled in the United Kingdom.

Form BUS
This form should be used to apply for an extension of stay or for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom as a business person, sole representative, retired person of independent means, investor or an innovator.

Form ELR
This form should be used to apply for an extension of stay or indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom by a person who was granted exceptional leave to remain following the refusal of asylum.

Form EEC1
Use this form to apply for a resident permit for employment or business as a national of the European Economic Area.

Once again if any questions arise please telephone the Telephone Enquiry Bureau on 0870 606 7766 for advice.

Your application should be made before the date of your permission to stay expires.

Your completed application form and any necessary documents can be sent to the Immigration & Nationality Directorate by post - see earlier address.

Useful sites:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/hpg.htm
http://www.workpermit.com/