Visas & Entering the United Kingdom

When applying to work internationally it is important that you investigate and understand which visa you are eligible for to legally live and work in that country of choice.

To enter the UK, you will need to obtain one of the following Visas:

Work Permit

Bluewave are registered with the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC) and we offer a complete Work Permit application service to teachers and schools.

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.

Your work permit will then be couriered to you so that you can apply for your UK entry clearance/UK visa from the British Consulate in your country of origin. You can either obtain your UK entry clearance/visa by completing an online application and posting the required supporting documents or you can book an appointment at the most convenient British Consulate visa office.

Required supporting documents:

Form VAF1(non-settlement)
Passport
Fee
2 Passport size photo's
Your Work Permit

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.