Moving from a holiday makers visa to being sponsored by co.

[Yasmeen]

Hello,

I am a Canadian working in London under a holiday makers visa. My visa
expires in september. I'm currently employed by an international company and
would like to know what would be involved in obtaining a work permit from
them.

My company is willing to sponsor me, but I would like to know exaclty what
is required. For example, do I have to go back to Canada while my company
applies for my work visa?


I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with detail
information as to what I must do before my visa expires, in order to stay in the UK employed by my current company.


Thank you very much,

Yasmeen

[prudence]

Hi Yasmeen,

What is your occupation? If your occupation is on the shortage occupation list, you will be able to switch to a work permit from your current visa. Otherwise you can still apply for a work permit but yes, you will have to return to Canada while you wait for your application to clear (the time will depend on processing times of the UK embassy in your country). Shortage occupations are are basically jobs in the medical profession, statutory age teaching, and some specialist engineering jobs. A full list may be seen at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

You should probably start the process as soon as possible. Your employer will have to complete the application on your behalf, or they may like to pay a Visa agency to do it for them as it can be quite a lengthy process. You and your employer should read this http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/work_permits/applying_for_a_work/business_and_commercial.Maincontent.0004.file.tmp/businesscommercialnotes.pdf for more information.

Let me know if you have any further questions - good luck

[prudence]

Hi Yasmeen

I had an interview with a great work permit/immigration agency today who could possibly help you out with a work permit. They process a lot of permits and have lots of experience.
www.globalvisas.com

Their fee for WP is £850 plus the cost of the permit itself (about £100). Going through an agency makes it a lot easier though, and your employer may even shoulder some of these costs