NES is an OISC registered company and is qualified to give advice on the requirements of the UK immigration rules. Companies looking to fill a vacancy, must ensure that an individual has the right to work in the UK before they do so. In the majority of cases, this is now assessed through the points based system, which gives hiring companies greater responsibility and accountability for the non-EEA nationals that they employ in the UK.
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions from people coming to work in the UK...
What routes are there into the UK?
Nationals of the European Union and European Economic Area are free to enter and work within the UK for an indefinite period of time. They must have a valid EU passport and / or National Identity Card.
Alternative visa options are available for non-EEA nationals, depending on level of expertise and length of stay. The points based system offers a number of routes for non-EEA nationals to obtain permission to work in the UK and, whether you are a UK employer or an individual, the OISC registered advisers at NES will be able to assist with the most suitable route of entry and completion of the required application.
Why NES?
As part of the recruitment process, visa applicants will have experienced recruitment consultants working to secure work while a dedicated immigration adviser works to obtain the most suitable visa. The recruitment and visa services are completely free of charge, so the only cost to the individual is for the visa itself.
What steps need to be taken?
If you’re working with a recruitment consultant at NES, they will refer your case to the immigration adviser, who will manage the visa process from there. This will involve an assessment of suitability for different visas or permits and providing guidance as to the best option.
The adviser will be available to help at all points of application, completing forms and collating support documentation. This takes away some of the uncertainty that a candidate may face applying on their own. The adviser will also act as the representative for the candidate and hiring company and will answer any queries from the Home Office regarding problems or updates, reducing the admin burden for both parties.
Where do responsibilities lie?
Where a UK employer wishes to sponsor a candidate under the Tier 2 sponsorship scheme it is the responsibility of the company to issue the certificate of sponsorship with the candidate then applying for the appropriate visa / leave to remain application. Under the Tier 1 rules it is the individual whom will need to submit the application.
However, NES immigration advisers (acting as representative for both) can undertake any or all aspects of any visa application.
Which overseas qualifications count?
Only certain overseas academic qualifications are recognised by the Home Office as being of UK equivalent. Where the authenticity of a qualification is questioned a check can be made via the Home Offices’ points based calculator. Should the qualification not be recognised by the points based calculator the National Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) can provide a fully assessment and appropriate comparability certificate.
What if I have dependants?
Candidates can often include their dependants as part of their application, as long as they can prove that they are their dependants and that they have the financial means to support them. A dependant can be any of the following: spouse; civil partner; unmarried co habiting partner; same sex co habiting partner; any child under 18. Rest assured our immigration advisers will take into consideration the needs of your family as well yourself the main applicant.
Can all agencies help?
Only those agencies and companies registered with the OISC can provide these services. Any organisation practising more than ‘sign posting’ to relevant sources of information is acting illegally.
Useful links
www.workingintheuk.gov.uk
www.ukvisas.gov.uk
www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk
www.fco.gov.uk
www.oisc.gov.uk
