Employers - Work Permit FAQ

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Employers - Work Permit FAQ

What is a Work Permit?
A work permit is a legal permission that is issued to you as the employer, by the Home Office. This gives the employer permission to employ a skilled individual in a specific role within the UK Company for a set duration of time.

What is a Sponsorship Licence?
From Autumn 2008 the current work permit scheme will be incorporated into "Tier 2" of the new Points Based System. Emmployers will be responsible for issuing Certificates of Sponsorship [CoS] to each individual which permits the individual to be employed with the company. However, employers will first be required to apply for a Sponsorship Licence which will need to be formally approved by the Home Office. Employers will be rated A or B depending on their compliance, record keeping and HR procedures that support the CoS applications.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship?
This is a unique reference number that is issued to each individual and contains information on them that is specific to the employer for which an application has been made. The employer will need to formally apply for this certificate and provide evidence that the position meets the resident labour test and/or is exempt from this requirement, together with demonstrating that the role is of sufficient level to meet the Points Based System.

How long does the work permit application process take?
Most work permit applications take between 2-4 weeks for the Home Office to make a decision from the date that the application has been received. However, if there is insufficient evidence and/or complications with the information provided this can take longer. We will advise you at the outset with details as to how long the application process is likely to take once we have sight of the relevant documentation.

What does No-Win No-Fee mean?
If we have quoted you on a No-Win No-Fee basis and the application is not successful, we will refund this back to you, less a £55 administration fee. If the application is particularly complex we may quote you on a fixed-fee basis, which must be agreed with the client upfront prior to any work taking place.

What is the application process? What do I need to do to start the process?
The first step is to contact us and explain your situation. This will allow us to understand what timing and/or immigration issues may be involved and confirm what the application process is for that particular case. If you can provide us with copies of the individual’s CV up to date, together with confirmation of their immigration status [if in the UK] and full details of the post offered, we can make sure that your case is accurately assessed. We will advise you as to your chances of the work permit being approved and a quote for work to be undertaken.

We have made Work Permit applications before. Does this make a difference?Each work permit application is unique; the Home Office considers it on the relative merits and circumstances surrounding the case. The work permit application should always be fully supported with the most appropriate supporting evidence to make sure that you stand the best chance for success. Even if you have never made a work permit application before, we will provide you with detailed advice and guidance at each stage of the process.