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Applications by Employers

The Work Permit Scheme allows UK employers to recruit non EEA nationals for skilled jobs when unable to find suitably qualified resident workers. Unlike most other UK work visas it is the employer that makes the work permit application, not the worker. If you are considering making a work permit application you should first consider the alternatives as work permit applications can be expensive and time consuming.

Can the work be outsourced to a supplier as a Managed Project? Quite often companies require specific expertise for a limited period of time. If this is the case it may be more efficient to engage a supplier to undertake a Managed Project that take on a full time worker on a work permit. Commonwealth Contractors works with a number of suppliers that undertake Managed Projects and where appropriate are prepared to sponsor work permits. To find out about Managed Projects call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388

Is the worker eligible for a Tier 1 (Generally Highly Skilled Migrant) Visa (formerly HSMP)? The Tier 1 (HSMP) visa is a points based visa that once approved allows the holder to work freely, or undertake business, in the UK. The Tier 1 (HSMP) takes longer to process than a work permit so if time is of the essence it may be more practical to make a work permit application and consider the Tier 1 (HSMP) at a later date.

To find out more about Work Permits, Tier 1 (HSMPs) and Managed Projects call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you with solutions from our OISC registered immigration partners.

Types of Work Permit Application

There are 2 types of work permit application, either:

Tier 1 Work Permit Applications, or
Tier 2 Work Permit Applications

The type of application used depends upon the job being offered.

Tier 2 Work Permit applications are the most common and require an employer to conduct a search of the resident labour market for a suitably qualified worker before making a work permit application. The application must include full details of the recruitment search and detail why the non EEA national selected for the role has been hired over a resident worker (if any residents have applied).

Tier 1 Work Permit applications allow the employer to make a simplified application free from advertising requirements. This type of application can only be used for certain roles/occupations such as for example jobs on the UK Skill Shortage List and for multinational groups transferring staff from overseas operations.

Candidate Qualifications

For both tier 1 work permit applications and tier 2 work permit applications the employer must show that the candidate named on the work permit application has all of the required skills and experience to undertake the role.

Candidates should have at least:

One years worth of professional experience if they have a degree
Three years worth of professional experience if they do not have a degree

Detailed Technical References are required from the candidate to prove experience. Theoretically fresh graduates with a relevant degree can get a permit without prior work experience, but this is rarely appropriate outside the graduate intake streams of large multinational companies.

Employer Validation

If making a work permit application for the first time the employer must send documents to the Border and Immigration Agency to validate the fact that they are a UK employer capable of offering the role detailed on the work permit application. Documents required for validation may include:

Certificate of Incorporation
VAT Registration certificate and returns
Company Accounts (audited if possible)
PAYE Registration evidence (normally P35)
Office Lease/Purchase Agreement & Floor Plans (signed by all parties)
Certificate of Employers Liability Insurance
Company Organisation Chart (showing position offered, all jobs within the company, jobs filled by existing Work Permit holders)
Business Contracts
Utility Bills
Business Plans
Balance Sheets

Also, copies of contracts (signed by all parties) are required where the employee is to work at a client site further to a service agreement.

This is not an exhaustive list. The Border and Immigration Agency may request further documents to validate the employment or job.

To find out more about Managed Projects or becoming a Work Permit Sponsor call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you.

Related Work Permit Sponsorship Pages:

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