Moving to a new country and finding a job is not always easy. Especially if you’re not familiar with all the rules and regulations, all the types of visas, work permits… It can become confusing, and it’s best to get in contact with someone local or familiar with the process. If you’re not lucky enough to have a Brit in close proximity, we are here to help!

There is plenty of information available out there, just a few clicks away. But make sure always to use reliable sources – you can check UK’s Government site for example for all visa and immigration-related issues.

work permit UK

Also, remember always to check the requirements when searching for work. When browsing job offers on AppJobs.com, you will always find the specifications on the job offer page. If there is something you’re not sure about or have any doubts at all – you can always contact AppJobs support through the website or you can contact the company that you are looking to work with directly.

To make the whole process a little easier, we have the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about finding work in the UK.

Can you work in the UK if you don’t have a work visa? The short answer is yes. But you need to meet specific criteria to be legally allowed to work without the need for a permit.

work permit UK

There are FOUR CASES in which non-UK citizens are allowed to work in the UK. Let’s break them down.

1. If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen

If you are from any of the members mentioned above, then you can legally work in the UK. You do not need any additional permits or documents. The European Union allows for a movement of people between the member countries. It has made it a lot easier for migrants to leave their homeland and find work in another EU country without the hassle.

Here is a list of all the EU/EEA countries and Switzerland.

2. If you have a working holiday visa

Now called the Tier 5 Youth Mobility Scheme programme, the working holiday visa allows individuals of certain nationalities to work in the UK for a short period while travelling. The Youth Mobility Scheme is for young people who want to live, work and travel in the United Kingdom for a period of up to two years, without visa sponsorship.

If you are a citizen of one of the countries below, you are eligible to apply for the working holiday visa:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• Japan
• Monaco
• Taiwan

3. If you are a student

International students are allowed to work up to 10 to 20 hours per week. The main difference is:

• If you are studying for a degree in the UK on a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
• If you are studying at a language school on a student visa, you can work up to 10 hours per week.

work permit UK

How come students are allowed to work in the UK?

The basic idea is that students must be allowed to make money to support themselves during their time in the UK. However, you are NOT allowed to sign a permanent contract on a student visa.
That’s also why full-time work is ONLY permitted during vacations. If you are an international student in the UK, we highly recommend contacting the career center at your university or the center for international students – they will be able to provide extra information and assist you.

work permit UK

4. If you are a refugee in the UK

Refugees are permitted to work in the UK. Legally This means that they can work in any profession and hold both short and long-term contracts. The are no limitations regarding the number of hours they can work per week or the type of work they can do.

However, if you are an asylum seeker without refugee status, then you must wait for your situation to be granted before applying for jobs.

If you don’t meet the criteria in any of the four cases mentioned above, then you need to find a sponsor that will issue a work permit for you in the UK. Typically, you need to be offered a full-time, long-term contract and the company needs to assist you in the application process.
Since all the job offers found at AppJobs.com are part-time, flexible positions, unfortunately, you will not be eligible to apply for a work permit in the UK with an app-based job.

Are you a lucky EU passport holder or an international student in the UK? Then look no further and explore all the flexible job offers at AppJobs.com! Start by entering your work town on the main page. Good luck with your job search!