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Umbrella Company Work Permit
Work Permits are not suitable for freelance contractors wishing to work in the UK. If you’re a non EEA national thinking about becoming a freelance contractor you should ideally consider an alternative work visa such as a Tier 1 (HSMP).Working on Managed IT Projects
If you’re a highly skilled IT, Engineering, or Finance Consultant you may be interested in working on Managed Projects in the UK. Commonwealth Contractors partner with a number of established Consultancies that recruit internationally for highly skilled workers and are prepared to sponsor UK Work Permits where required and appropriate. To find out more about Managed Projects call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you.The Tier 1 (HSMP)
The Tier 1 (HSMP) is an ideal work visa for freelance contractors. Once approved the visa allows the holder to work freely in the UK for a period of two years initially, then a further 3 years on extension. This takes the total time spent by the holder in the UK to 5 years after which they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).The Tier 1 (HSMP) allows a person to work freely in the UK (unlike a work permit) and is therefore ideal for freelance contractors wishing to take on multiple contract assignments. Those that hold Tier 1 visas may use umbrella company structures such as Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella and even go into business with their own contractor limited company. Expat Advantage, the expat umbrella company solution maybe the perfect contracting solution for those on this type of visa. With Expat Advantage it may be possible to claim business expenses that are not normally claimable by UK nationals, such as relocation expenses. To find out more about our umbrella company solutions and going into business with your own contractor limited company call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you! Be warned, a contractor limited company may not be the best option, especially during your initial 2 years as an Tier 1 (HSMP) holder as, when it comes to extend your it is much easier to do so if you can show that you get the required ‘earnings points’ from PAYE income.
Further UK Work Visa Alternatives and Contract Solutions
If you do not qualify for a Tier 1 (HSMP) there may still be a number of other avenues to contracting in the UK such as the Working Holidaymaker Visa and the Ancestry Visa.The Working Holidaymaker Visa
If you a Commonwealth national aged between 17 and 30 you may be able to apply for a Working Holidaymaker Visa (WHV). The visa allows the holder to work in a professional capacity for a period of up to 12 months.
The Ancestry Visa
Ancestry Visas are available to Commonwealth citizens who have a grandparent born in the UK before the 31st of March 1922. Holders are allowed to work in the UK for a period of 5 years after which they may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain. There are no restrictions on work that can be undertaken
Contract Solutions
If you gain a Working Holidaymaker Visa or an Ancestry Visa you are free to take advantage of umbrella company solutions such as Expat Advantage and Payroll Umbrella while in the UK.
