Work Permits

Work permit applications are made by a UK-based employer in order to recruit people from outside the EEA to work in the UK.

The Vacancy

The application must be for a specific vacancy on a full-time basis and the applicant will become an employee pursuant to a contract of employment.

Qualification

To be eligible for a work permit, you must have either:

• A UK equivalent degree level qualification
• A Higher National Diploma level qualification relevant to the position on offer
• A HND level qualification which is net relevant, plus one year at relevant full-time work experience at NVQ Level 3 or above
• 3 years full-time experience of Veterinary skills at NVQ Level 3 or above

You must also be registered with the governing body of the profession, namely the RCVS.

Documentation

You must be able to supply the following documentation for a work permit application to be made on your behalf by the employer:

• Copies of detailed employer references covering the last 3 years of employment. These should be on company letterhead confirming the start date and finish date of your employment, the job title and a detailed explanation of the duties and responsibilities of the position, together with any technical skills required for the role that you performed
• Copies of any tertiary and / or professional qualifications
• Copy of any previous work permit(s)
• Copy of your passport
• Your CV

Applications

A work permit can be issued for any period of time between 1 month and 60 months.

Tier One applications apply to those occupations where there is a shortage of skilled people to perform the roles. These occupations are listed by Work Permits (UK) and currently feature Veterinary positions although this may be subject to change depending on market forces.

Tier Two applications apply to most other circumstances save for that stated for Tier One.

As a working holiday maker who has been in the UK for more than 12 months and who holds a valid work permit approved for an occupation listed on the shortage list, you may apply to switch into work permit employment without leaving the UK.

Once a work permit has been authorised, it is your responsibility as work permit holder to apply for the correct leave in order to validate the work permit. This is in the form of a Leave to Remain application to the UK Home Office.

You must not commence work until you have Leave to Remain, unless your current valid visa allows you to work in the UK until the leave to remain application is decided.

EEA Member Countries

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, UK. Nationals from Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Slovakia are required to register under the Worker Registration Scheme.