Work Permit applications are dealt with by the Home Office Border and Immigration Agency. They can in many cases deal with work permits in one or two weeks. It will take longer to obtain a work permit, however, if the company in question has not applied for / received a sponsorship licence .

Qualifications

• A PhD qualification = 15 points
• A Master’s Degree = 10 points
• A Bachelor’s Degree = 10 points
• An NVQ level 3 qualification = 5 points

Prospective Earnings

• In Excess of £24,000+ = 20 Points
• £22,000-2,999 =15 points
• £20,000-21.999 = 10 points
• £17,000-19,999 = 5 points

Non-shortage positions are inherently worth 30 points, shortage occupation positions will automatically receive 50 points. Candidates applying for an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) will also receive 50 points.

Changing Employment on Tier 2 Visas

Tier 2 immigration permit candidates can change their job whilst in the UK, however the process of obtaining a Certificate of Sponsorship must be repeated and a candidate must be reassessed against the points test.

Intra-Corporate Transfers

Applying for an ICT under tier 2 allows a candidate to transfer from an overseas branch of a UK firm to work on a specific project. Unlike the previous ICT system, tier 2 places greater emphasis upon the employer demonstrating that the salary is appropriate for the position and that no UK resident worker can fill the position.