Work Permits & Visas
Bluewave are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC) and we offer a complete service to teachers and schools which is free of charge to our registered teachers and client schools.
We also offer a service for arranging work permits for teachers who have already secured a teaching job, not through Bluewave, and now require a permit to work. If you would like to find out more about this service please call Bluewave 0845 4900 445 or email us at workpermits@bluewaveinternational.com
Our service involves the preparation of work permit applications for teachers on behalf of our client schools and is very fast. We typically will have an application for signature within 48 hours of an offer being made to our teachers. Our applications are currently being processed in 6 working days
Teaching is recognised in the UK as a skill shortage area and UK Work Permits are available if you do not otherwise have the right to work in the UK provided that the job is secured prior to your departure.
Rather than requiring a Work Permit which must be sponsored by a school, you may be eligible for one of the following:
Working Holiday Visa -
Working Holidaymaker visas are issued for a maximum two years stay in the UK you must be aged 30 or under. You cannot reapply for a second Working Holidaymaker visa.
Spouses -
Marriage to a British or EU national entitles you to work in the UK, as does accompanying a spouse who has dual nationality, patriality or a work permit.
Dual Nationality -
Either with the UK or an EU country. You will require a dual second passport as proof.
Patriality (British parent or grandparent) -
Usually allows you to work in the UK for up to four years but may be subject to change. An EU born parent or grandparent may also give you eligibility to work in the UK. For teachers wishing to know more about the process of work permit applications and entry clearance to the UK should follow these links:
Guidance for work permits - www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
Guidance for entry clearance for all countries to the UK - www.UKvisas.com
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
HSMP or Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is a points based system for UK Immigration. HSMP allows points for Age, Education, Experience and Earnings. You need to score 75 points to qualify.
Unmarried
It has been possible since 1997 for unmarried partners both in a heterosexual and same sex relationship to gain entry to the UK using an unmarried partners visa. Applications for unmarried partner visas tend to be more difficult than those based on marriage as you need to show that you have been together for two years and that it is a permanent relationship.
Children
Children who are under 18 years old are allowed entry to the UK as dependants, and can make their application at the same time as the main applicant.
" I would just like to extend a big thank you on behalf of Donovan and myself for your quick and efficient work with regard to the application of our work permits. I am very greatful for the hassle-free service you have both provided us with.Well Done and Keep up the great work, you guys make a strong team."
Many thanks, Melisha and Donovan
Need more information?
www.ukvisas.gov.uk/ or www.workingintheuk.gov.uk


I live from weekend to weekend- I will NEVER take a weekend for granted again! I would like to encourage any teacher who is thinking of teaching in the UK to very seriously consider using Bluewave to assist them in the process. I have never dealt with a more efficient, professional and friendly group of people in my teaching career. I joined them in March 2007 and was teaching in September of the same year. The process was made as painless and easy as possible. You are never left out of the loop, as they keep you up to date all the time as to what is going on. They were able to deliver on everything they said they would, and they make you feel as though you are the only person that they are dealing with. After arriving in the UK, they still take an interest in you and keep up with what is happening in your life. I cannot think of any other company who would do that for you. My advice to any teachers thinking of teaching here is, yes it is tough and no walk in the park, you may need to change the way you think about teaching and you may find it difficult in the beginning, but if you prepare yourself before entering the school and the class you should enjoy it. It's a steep learning curve, but a very rewarding one, and remember to ask for help if you seem bogged down, the teachers I have dealt with are more than happy to help you when you need it.
"Bluewave representatives are positive and helpful. I feel like they have been my advocates and true advisors. It`s difficult to move to another country; it`s difficult to teach in another culture. I am appreciative of my Bluewave guides! Thank you!""