If you are highly qualified you may be able to enter the United Kingdon without the need for a work permit. You would need to complete a self-assessment form on which you have to score points on various categories. You can download these forms and accompanying guidance documents from the UK Border Agency website. Highly Skilled Migrants form the first part of the points-based system under Tier 1. As the system is under transition, each individual must assess whether the old or new rules apply to them.

The Work Permit Scheme remains in place but will be replaced by Tier 2 of the points-based system in the third quarter of 2008. The Work Permit Scheme/Tier 2 allows a British employer to apply for permission to employ an overseas national so long as certain conditions are met. The employer must show, amongst other things, that there is a genuine vacancy for an employee; what skills and qualification are required; whether the person is suitably qualified; and that they have been unable to find anyone of suitable experience or qualifications within the EEA workforce.

This is a very brief description of routes to working in the UK, and for all options available please see the UK Border Agency website.

Different rules apply to Europeans - people from countries in the European Union and certain other countries with special treaty arrangements with the EU - see the European Union page on our web site.