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[soon to-be expat]

I have a question for those who've done this before....how long did it take you to get a work permit?   I am an American shortlisted for a specialized academic  job in the UK (interview is in late July), the job is supposed to start August 15th.  If I get the post, how long will I have to sit in the US before I can get a work permit?  I've had lousy experiences with getting an academic visa (it took 4 months of effort), but is it any different with a work permit?  

Thanks for any insights.

[sportyspice]

After you get the work permit, you will also have to apply for entry clearance at the British Consulate.  Although they were suprisingly quick (5-7 days including fed ex to NY and back) when I did this early spring.

[%sig%]

[soon-to-be expat]

Thank you sportyspice for the reminder.  I knew merely getting a work permit would be too easy.  Ah well, I've allocated six weeks to get the permit and the entry visa, and my contact at the Chicago consulate told me it takes a week to process work permit applications, so hopefully by tripling the amount of time estimated, I may be OK.  I just had such a horrible experience with getting an academic visa (it was four months of constant attention on my part) that I am skittish as anything.  HOpefully I'll get the post and actually be able to start it in time.

The ironic thing is I'm in the UK now for another month before I have to go home on my academic visa, and then cool my heels for six weeks to be let in if I get the post.  This stuff never can be easy!

[Expat in UK]

If you're coming over to the UK for work with a firm job offer your instituion will do the work getting you a work permit. There will be some forms to fill out (on your part) that your instituion should mail to you. I thought the entire process was a simple one, until I saw the size of my personnel file at my university. *laugh* seems that they have been caught up in the nightmare-ish Brit paperwork system.