Work permits/visas
The
UK
is currently undergoing major reforms in its immigration and employment laws. As a
UK
resident or citizen, you are able to work freely and without any visa/permit constraints.
For all those outside the European economic areas it is important that you regularly check the current requirements as they change rapidly.
According to the UK borders agency and Home Office, the following migration categories apply at present:
Tier 2-skilled worker (replaces the standard work permit)
It is for those coming to the
UK
to occupy positions in the workforce that can not otherwise be occupied by settled workers. It applies to permanent work and is specific to one employer only.
It also applies to those filling positions in current shortage occupations. Currently, veterinary surgeons are on this list.
If granted a skilled worker permit, you will be allowed to stay for 3 years and one month, or the time stipulated on your permit-whichever is shortest. If you wish to stay on thereafter, you can reapply. It also applies to those filling positions in current shortage occupations.
Certain prerequisits and points are required to qualify.
For further details on requirements and points please see:
Tier5-( general) Youth mobility scheme( previously working-holiday visas)
This scheme is open to those between the ages of 18-30 from Australia
,
Canada
,
Japan
and
New Zealand
(countries listed in Appendix G to the Immigration Rules). If you are a British Overseas Citizen,
British
Overseas
Territories
Citizen or a British National (Overseas) you may also be eligible.
You must have a minimum of £1600 funds, with documents of proof no older than 1 month old at the time of application. If accepted, this scheme will allow you 2 years entry.
Eligibility is based on a points system, with a minimum of 40 points required.
Please see the following for further details:
Self employment is only allowed under the following conditions:
1. You do not own permanent premises, from which you do business (other than your home);
2. The total value of the equipment you use in your business does not exceed £5000; and
3. You have no employees.
Note:You must not previously have spent time in the
United Kingdom
as a Working Holiday Maker or a Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) temporary migrant
Ancestral visa
No work permit is needed if you arrive with a UK Ancestry visa and you will have permission to stay for five years. You will be able to apply to live here permanently after five years, providing you still meet the requirements for
United Kingdom
ancestry and you have worked continuously in the
United Kingdom
.
This visa applies to Commonwealth citizens with a grandparent or parent born in the
United Kingdom
and
Islands
.
For further details on how to qualify for this visa please see:
General information
In Summary:
The above information is only a brief summary of the situation as presented by the UK border agency at present.Once again note that the laws and requirements change regularly and are undergoing some major reform. It is therefore vital that you check with the visa section of the
UK
border agency website and seek advice from them and other experienced experts in immigration/visa requirements. Also,consult either your locum agency or practice before accepting work if you are coming from abroad. Other visas are also available such as spouse visas etc, but have not been covered here.
Remember Failing to plan is planning to fail!
Get your registration and work requirement documents, visas and permits in order before spending vast amounts of money only to find out your not eligible to work in the veterinary profession in the UK!
