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UK Working Visa FAQs

How & When do I apply for a UK Visa?

To find out more information and to get the necessary application forms contact your nearest British Consulate or High Commission and either download the application forms from their site, or contact them directly and ask them to send you the forms by post. Read through the forms carefully to ensure you are eligible for that visa, and to see what documents you will need to provide. Fill out the forms completely and return to the British High Commission or Consulate in your country of residence with all of the necessary documents. If you have questions about filling out the forms, you should contact the British High Commission or Consulate on the number provided on your UK visa application forms.

Most UK Visa applications (Ancestry, Working Holiday, Right to Abode, Spouse etc) will be processed within six weeks in most Commonwealth countries, but that is not a guarantee. Each individual UK High Commission or Embassy will usually have different processing times, be sure to check with your nearest one. Note that applications for a work permit under the Highly Skilled Migrant Program can take several months to be assessed. Visas granted often have a ‘use before’ date so be careful not to apply too early (a year ahead) for your UK Visa - but don’t leave it too late either! It is not normally recommended to purchase your airline tickets until you have received your UK visa if this is something that will effect whether you go to the UK or not.

Still not sure? Follow these easy UK Visa steps.…

I need to provide a letter for my UK Ancestry Visa Application – how do I get one?

When applying for your UK Ancestry Visa, you may be required to provide proof that you have sought employment in the UK. Usually, proof that you are registered with a suitable UK recruitment agency is sufficient, usually in the form of either a letter or email.

To get a letter, you will need to be registered with a UK recruitment agency that specialises in your industry. When requesting a letter from them, be sure to indicate that you are registered with them, provide your postal address (though an emailed letter may be all they can provide), and the date by which you need this letter.

What are the recent Changes to the Working Holiday Maker Scheme (WHMS)?

On the 20th June 2003, the British Home office announced exciting new changes to the Working Holiday Maker Scheme.

A summary of the changes made is as follows:

  • Extension of the upper age limit on the Working Holiday Visa from 27 years inclusive to 30 years inclusive.
  • Removal of restrictions on type and duration of work undertaken in the UK.
  • Holders of a UK Working Holiday Visa now have an option of switching to work permit employment after 12 months, upon meeting certain criteria.

Current holders of UK Working Holiday Visas benefit from the lifting of work restrictions and ability to switch to work permit employment effective immediately. The changes for new applications are effective as of 25th August 2003.

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I need employer sponsorship to work in the UK. Can WORKgateways help me?

If you are not eligible for a UK Visa, nor have an EU passport, you will likely need to be sponsored by a UK employer who will apply for a work permit on your behalf. This is possible in some industries, whereas in others it is highly unlikely.

Importantly, if you are in certain job industries and professions, there are recruitment agencies that can help you to find an employer in the UK who will sponsor you. These industries currently include: medical, health and nursing, teaching and education, some types of engineering and social work. If you are within these professions and require sponsorship to work in the UK please indicate this when registering online with WORKgateways.

I am over the working holiday age limit of 30 years. Can I work in the UK?

If you are over 30 years of age you are unfortunately over the age limit for application for a UK Working Holiday Visa. However there may be other types of UK visas for which you are eligible to apply that also allow employment. See UK Visas to explore visa types further; otherwise you would likely need to be sponsored for a work permit by a UK employer in order to work in the UK.

I am an American citizen, am I eligible for a UK work visa?

Currently only citizens of a Commonwealth country such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand or South Africa are included in the UK working holiday scheme and the UK Ancestry Visa scheme. However, American citizens with parents (rather than grand-parents) born in the UK are eligible to apply for a Certificate of the Right to Abode in the UK. American citizens who also hold a passport of an EU country are legally allowed to work in the UK. Similarly, if your spouse has a UK passport, Certificate of the Right to Abode in the UK or receives a sponsored UK work permit, you would be eligible to apply for a UK Spouse Visa. See UK Visa Types for more information on visas and how to apply.

While we do our best, WORKgateways cannot make any guarantee that the UK visa and immigration information provided on our website is either accurate or complete. We provide the above information to the best of our knowledge and experience but strongly recommend you to use it as a guideline only. We suggest you visit Official UK Visa Site links for official UK immigration law work visa information.

For details on the different types of visas for which you may be eligible, see UK Visas.

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