Eligibility

-Entry clearance requirements -

Do you have the right to work in the UK?

Before you enter the UK, you must ensure that you are eligible to undertake paid employment. The following brief guidance notes outline the main Immigration categories applicable to Australian, New Zealand and Canadian citizens seeking employment.

Working Holiday VISA

This is the most common visa under which young Australian / New Zealand teachers are able to work in the UK. Changes were made to the WHV regulations on February 8, 2005. To be eligible for this two year visa you must now satisfy the following criteria:

• You must be a Commonwealth citizen over the age of 17 and have not yet reached your 31st birthday.
• Your main purpose should be to take a holiday. You are only allowed to work for 12 months of the two year period. However, this 12 months can be aggregated in any combination of periods throughout the two years.
• After one year spent in the UK, you may switch to Work Permit employment if you have a school willing to sponsor you, and while teaching remains on the list of designated shortage occupations maintained by Work Permits (UK). Read more about shortage occupations on the “Working in the UK” website: www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

Applicants may still have only one Working Holiday Visa.

Patriality (British parent or grandparent)

If you have a British parent or are married to a British citizen, you may be eligible to apply for a British passport. This allows you to work in the UK without restriction, for an indefinite time.
If you have a British Grandparent, you may be eligible for a UK Ancestry Visa. This allows you to work in the UK for up to 4 years.

Dual Nationality

If you hold dual nationality with a European Union Country, you are automatically entitled to work in the UK. A dual second passport is all that is required.

Spouses

If you are married to a British National you may be entitled to work in the UK. Similarly, if you are accompanying a spouse who has dual nationality or patriality you may also be entitled to work in the UK.

Work Permits

If you are not eligible to work in the UK under one of the categories above, you may be eligible for a Work Permit. A Work permit can only be applied for once a post has been offered by a school and must be applied for by your UK employer. With effect from November 13 2003 all work permit holders who wish to stay in the UK for more than 6 months are required to obtain an Entry Clearance Visa. This must be obtained from the British High Commission before travelling to the UK to take up work permit employment.

Work Permits can be arranged for one term or more.

You must ensure that your eligibility is confirmed and you have the necessary documentation before you leave Australia.

NOTE: As regulations may change, more detailed information about visas, entry certificates and work permits should be obtained by contacting the British High Commission well in advance of your trip.

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