UK Work Permits

UK Work Permits

The UK introduced a Points Based System for all routes into working in the UK, in 2008/2009. Prior to this there were some 80+ individual types of visa available!

One of the routes prior to the introduction of the Points Based System was the Work Permit system. This was the main way people from outside the UK could work legally in the UK.

The system involved the migrant having a job offer, and the employer sponsoring that migrant for a Work Permit. Essentially this involved the employer requesting permission from the UK government to employ an overseas worker by demonstrating that they were unable to fill a position with a worker already resident in the UK.

If a Work Permit was issued, the employer would send this original document to the migrant who would use it to make a visa application to enter the UK to work for that company.

With the introduction of the Points Based System, Work Permits ceased being issued. An employer wishing to hire an international worker must now register as a sponsor under Tier 2 of the Points Based System, and issue that worker with a ‘Certificate of Sponsorship’ (COS).

The worker must now must apply for a visa at their nearest visa-issuing British Mission under Tier 2 of the Points Based System using the COS number provided by their prospective UK employer.

So ‘Work Permits’ are no more! Those who currently hold Work Permits from the previous system are still eligible to use them until their expiration, after which they would need to switch to a Tier 2 or other visa in order to remain employed.

For more information about Tier 2 see UK Visas.

About Nikki de Prey

de Prey Consulting is an immigration consultancy based in Edinburgh, UK. Nikki advises clients on the variety of visa applications for entering or remaining in the UK. For more information read about her background in About dPC.