Getting a job after moving to a new nation is not always simple. particularly if you’re unfamiliar with all the laws, all the many kinds of visas, all the work permissions, etc. It is advisable to speak with a local or someone who is experienced with the procedure because it can become complex. We can assist you if you’re not fortunate enough to live near a Brit!
Many resources are readily available online and only require a few mouse clicks. However, always utilize trustworthy sources; for example, you can get all the information you need about immigration and visas on the UK government website.
There are FOUR CASES in which non-UK citizens are allowed to work in the UK. Let’s break them down.
1. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen
If you are from any of the members mentioned above, then you can legally work in the UK. You do not need any additional permits or documents. The European Union allows for a movement of people between the member countries. It has made it a lot easier for migrants to leave their homeland and find work in another EU country without the hassle.
Here is a list of all the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.
2. If you have a working holiday visa
Now called the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme programme, the working holiday visa allows individuals of certain nationalities to work in the UK for a short period while travelling. The Youth Mobility Scheme is for young people who want to live, work and travel in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years, without visa sponsorship.
If you are a citizen of one of the countries below, you are eligible to apply for the working holiday visa:
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Japan
• Monaco
• Taiwan
3. If you are a student
International students are allowed to work up to 10 to 20 hours per week. The main difference is:
• If you are studying for a degree in the UK on a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
• If you are studying at a language school on a student visa, you can work up to 10 hours per week.
How come students are allowed to work in the UK?
The basic idea is that students must be allowed to make money to support themselves during their time in the UK. However, you are NOT allowed to sign a permanent contract on a student visa.
That’s also why full-time work is ONLY permitted during vacations. If you are an international student in the UK, we highly recommend contacting the career center at your university or the center for international students – they will be able to provide extra information and assist you.
4. If you are a refugee in the UK
Refugees are permitted to work in the UK. Legally This means that they can work in any profession and hold both short and long-term contracts. The are no limitations regarding the number of hours they can work per week or the type of work they can do.
However, if you are an asylum seeker without refugee status, then you must wait for your situation to be granted before applying for jobs.
If you don’t meet the criteria in any of the four cases mentioned above, then you need to find a sponsor that will issue a work permit for you in the UK. Typically, you need to be offered a full-time, long-term contract and the company needs to assist you in the application process.
Since all the job offers found at AppJobs.com are part-time, flexible positions, unfortunately, you will not be eligible to apply for a work permit in the UK with an app-based job.