A basic guide to  Work Permit Applications for Employers

1. This is the employer's application for permission to employ the non EU National in the UK and is administered by Work Permits (UK) who are based in Sheffield.
   
   
2. As it is the employer's application it is not regarded as an immigration application but rather an application for an immigration employment document. The application is prepared by the employer, signed by them and submitted by them to Work Permits (UK) albeit if they use a representative such as an immigration solicitor, they will deal with most of the work thereby reducing the management time required in making the application itself.
   
   
3. The immigration solicitor will also prepare the application form for signing off by the employer, usually a director of the company and will also advise the employer regarding all the necessary supporting documentation, both from the employer and the proposed employee.
   
   
4. If the employee is already in the UK they may be able to switch directly into work permit employment once it is approved, subject to making a Further Leave to Remain application although that will depend upon their immigration status. Otherwise they may be required to return to their country of residence to make an entry clearance application at the local British Diplomatic Post as a work permit holder and then return to the UK having obtained that entry clearance endorsed on their passport.
   
   
5. There is nothing to prevent the proposed employee being responsible for the immigration advisors fees and therefore the only potential loss to the employer is the management time in dealing with the application, which as stated above can be minimised by using an immigration solicitor.
   
   
6. Usually the employer is required to carry out a recruitment search, which normally will be way of advertising the position, and again the immigration solicitor will advise the employer regarding the wording of the advert and where it should be placed.
   
   
7. Work Permits UK will need to be satisfied that the salary being offered to the individual is the going rate in the market.
   
   
8. If an employer does have a specific individual in mind in order to obtain a free assessment they should complete the attached assessment form and return it directly to our preferred immigration advisor, Mark Barnett at Steeles Law at immigration@steeleslaw.co.uk Please mention "BLT - Immigration Advice" in the subject line.