International Recruitment: Frequently Asked Questions
Who does not have to apply for a work permit?
The following nationalities do not need work permits:
- Nationals from the European Economic Area (see below)
- People born in Gibraltar
- Commonwealth citizens who are allowed to enter or remain in the UK on the basis that a grandparent was born here
- Husbands, wives and dependent children under the age of 18 of individuals who hold work permits, as long as the endorsement in their passport does not place any restriction on their employment
The countries in the European Economic Area are:
- Austria
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Portugal
- Spain
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
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What types of jobs are work permits issued for?
To make a successful application for a work permit, an employer must prove that there are no suitable UK or European Economic Area workers available. Work permits are only issued for jobs that need a high level of skills (e.g. trained nurses) and will not be issued for ancillary type staff (e.g. domestics, care assistants, kitchen or laundry workers etc).
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Who can apply for a work permit?
Only an employer can apply for a work permit. No individual can apply for his or her own work permit.
The permit must be for a single named employee, for a specified post with a specific employer and for a fixed period of time not exceeding 48 months (although extensions can be sought). A work permit is not transferable to another person, post or employer.
Applications for work permits will be processed by Priory's Human Resources Department.
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How long does it take to apply for a work permit?
Work Permits (UK) aim to make a decision on all applications within four weeks. However, if the Home Office decides to undertake a full investigation into an individual's immigration status, the application may take longer.
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Do working holidaymakers require a work permit?
Commonwealth citizens aged between 17 and 27 can come to the UK for up to two years as working holidaymakers. As such, they can only take employment that is incidental to their holiday and must be able to prove this.
Generally, individuals on a working holiday visa may work full time (more than 25 hours) for only one of their two-year stay or, alternatively, part time for the full two years.
This type of visa must be applied for prior to leaving the country of residence.
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What are the recognised shortage occupations relevant to Priory?
At the present time, the recognised shortage occupations relevant to Priory are:
Nursing posts in the following specialisms:
- Acute Psychiatric Care
- Mental Health
- Forensic Care
- Learning Disabilities
- Physiotherapists
- Occupational Therapists
- Clinical Psychologists
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Can work permits be obtained for Care Assistants?
It is very difficult to obtain a work permit for care assistants.
Occasionally work permits may be issued for Senior Carers where it can be demonstrated that both the post and the candidate's skills and qualifications are at a senior level. However, it is not as easy to get a work permit for a Senior Carer as it is for occupations where there is a recognised national shortage.
Candidates need to hold a qualification equivalent to an NVQ 3 and have at least 3 years relevant work experience (i.e. in a health care environment).
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What qualifications and registration are required?
For nursing positions you must be a qualified Registered Mental Nurse (RMN) and have or be able to obtain Part 3 Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.
For other recognised shortage occupations you must hold the relevant professional qualification for the position for which you are applying.
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What experience is necessary?
If you are keen to work in the UK and have experience in acute, forensic or secure units, or an interest in diversifying into mental health, we would be delighted to hear from you.
We would also be pleased to hear from you if you are a newly qualified RMN or about to complete training.
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