Important: Only employers can apply for work permits, not students nor employees

“We issue work permits to UK-based employers wanting to employ a worker from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Work permits are issued for a specific individual to work in a specific job. We only issue work permits for certain types of work and normally only when the employer has been unable to recruit a suitable employee from within the EEA.” UK Border Agency.

Government regulations on work permits may change from time to time. For up-to-date information please visit Border and Immigration Agency website.

Shortage occupations

For a range of occupations known as 'Shortage Occupations' it is now easier for an employer to obtain a work permit.

This list of current shortage occupations changes quite frequently and can be found on the Border and Immigration Agency website [link to pdf document of Shortage Occupations].

Work Permit Schemes

There have been changes to the work permit system find out more here.

The University of Leicester Student Welfare Service run regular workshops on Tier 1: ‘Post Study Work’.  This is a scheme which allows international graduates who have successfully completed a Bachelors or Masters Degree at a UK university to apply to remain in the UK and work for a maximum of 2 years.  Click here for further information about the Student Welfare Service’s  forthcoming sessions.

Information on other events to help you find work in the UK can be found in the events and workshops section of this website. 

>>Information about getting a job