Work permits - except Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
The work permit arrangements closed on 26 November 2008. It has been replaced by tier 2 of the points-based system.
Employers wishing to employ migrants from non-EEA countries can no longer apply for work permits. See how How I sponsor a migrant for more information about recruiting workers from outside the EEA.
Work permit arrangements will continue for employers wishing to recruit Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.
Overview of work permits for Bulgarian and Romanian nationals
This information provides an overview of the work permit arrangements. The work permit guidance notes provide more details of the work permit arrangements. If you are unable to find the information you need on these pages you should read the guidance notes for the arrangements you are interested in. Anyone intending to make a work permit application must read the appropriate guidance notes before making an application.
We issue work permits to UK-based employers wanting to employ a worker from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and workers from Bulgaria and Romania subject to work permit authorisation. Work permits are issued for a specific individual to work in a specific job.
There are six different work permit arrangements.
- Business and commercial;
- Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES);
- Sports and Entertainments;
- Student internships;
- Sectors Based Scheme (SBS)
The eligibility section sets out the requirements that need to be met in order for us to issue a work permit under each of the different arrangements. Work permits are valid for work until a certain date.
