Individuals looking for a job in the UK under the current system cannot apply for a work permit. Interested individuals have to first find a job, and then the employer must apply for the work permit for the Individual. Majority of the employers do not directly deal with candidates interested for work permits.
Work Permit Application procedures are different depending upon situation.
An individual already on work permit to UK changes an employer and work then he would have to apply a new work permit application to work permits UK. Additional application for further leave to remain (IED) will need to be made at the same time to enable to the employee to take up work with the new employer.
An employee currently outside the UK who wishes to take up a new job in UK will need to lodge a new work permit application to work permits UK. Upon approval of work permit application, a visa application would be required to be made at the British Embassy or Consulate where the employee is a resident. Subsequent to which his passport is endorsed with the Work visa.
At the same time if the visa is approved at a British Embassy or Consulate or a further leave to remain (IED) application is approved from within the UK it gives the employer permission to employ a specific person in a specific job at a specific location.
STEPS TO GET A WORK PERMIT:
Work Permit applications are dealt with by Work Permits (UK), part of the Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate. Work Permits (UK) can in many cases deal with work permits in one or two weeks. It will take longer to obtain a work permit if an employer needs to advertise the vacancy and have not yet met the advertising requirements for the work permit application. If the job is in a shortage occupation, for example in the healthcare sector or in teaching, then an employer can apply for the work permit for a suitable worker without advertising the vacancy.
During the application process for work permits to UK, the candidate is allowed to visit the UK. But until the work permit application is approved, the candidate cannot begin work in UK. These candidates can only participate in activities entitled for Business Visitors for UK.
Duration of Work Permits to UK. Work permits are granted for up to five years. After spending the majority of five years physically in the UK on a work permit, a sponsored candidate can usually obtain permanent residence.
The length of the work permit depends on a number of factors which are normally more related to the employer and the job/project than the strength of the candidate. A candidate should not worry if he gets only a short term permit as it will normally be possible for it to be extended if he is still needed by his employer (and if a candidate is not needed by his present employer, then he may well be able to find a new UK employer who can get another permit for him to stay in the UK).
Start up companies will generally not be granted work permits of more than 18 months duration; these permits are extendable, but copies of the first year's audited accounts will need to accompany the application for extension.
Permits for staff to work at a client's site will be limited to the duration of the contract existing with the client. Applications for any extension will need to be accompanied by proof that the contract has been extended (or that another contract has begun).
It used to be the case that, only in exceptional circumstances, or for board level staff, would work permits be issued for an initial 5 year period. Now it is Work Permits (UK) policy to issue for long periods wherever possible – although staff working on client projects are still restricted by contract length. However if a work permit expires, and you have a continuing need for the candidate, it is now very easy to obtain an extension to the permit (the need to re-advertise the post on extension has been formally scrapped).
Work permit extensions: As with the initial application, extensions of work permission can be requested for up to five years, although most work permit holders who meet the criteria will apply for indefinite leave to remain after four years. All applications for extension must be made before the current leave to remain expires. Note that extensions cannot be applied for in the case of Multiple Entry Work Permits but a fresh application for a further permit can be made once the individual concerned is outside the UK.
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Skilled Workers 
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