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[brummagem]

I've started to hear chatter about the post-RAE market and junior positions opening up when the old guys with the needed publications retire. As a result, I find myself entertaining the possibility of applying to some of my dream departments this year.

I am currently in a full-time permanent position with nearly 4 years left on my work permit. Am I correct that the work permit is only valid for this particular position? When I fill out applications do I still need to check the box that indicates I need a work permit?

Probably no big deal, but I'm paranoid that, all else being equal, needing a work permit is a disadvantage.

[wegie]

From the Borders and Immigration Agency Working in the UK FAQs:

"Does a work permit for one employer allow me to transfer and work for another employer?"

"No, work permits are not transferable. They are issued for an individual to do a specific job with a specific employer. If you want to work for a British based employer, they must make a fresh application on your behalf, which will be considered. You must not start work with the new employer until a decision on the application has been reached, and the employer has received notification of this."

For what it's worth, I've never yet seen a department take a decision based upon anything other than who was the best person for the job.

[science_expat]

For what it's worth, I've never yet seen a department take a decision based upon anything other than who was the best person for the job.

I agree.

[uk_bound]

I also agree that departments will pick the best qualified candidate. While living in the US, I've been looking for work in the UK. I chose to get a work permit just to make my application appear a bit more attractive. The work permit I have also allows my wife to work legally in the UK.

There are, at least, two types of work permits available. Brummagem has what I think is the most common type of work permit. That is, brummagem's UK employer worked with the UK Home Office (Immigration) to give him or her a work permit. That type of work permit applies only to a single employer. If brummagem decides to work for a different employer, then that different employer will have to request a work permit.

Another type of work permit uses the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). This is the kind of work permit I have. With this work permit, I can work for any employer in the UK. As I mentioned, my wife has the same option. This is a points-based application, which emphasizes education and income. If I remember right, there are 4 categories: Education level, income, previous experience living in the UK, and age. Younger applicants get more points than aged applicants such as me, since I received 0 points in this category. (Warning the next sentence may sting a little.) I'm 41.

You need 75 points to receive an HSMP. I think I received 50 points for having a PhD and 30 points for my income level. There's also an MBA provision that can give an applicant a similar number of points as having a PhD. Then, of course, there's the paperwork and other requirements. You also have provide 2 forms of very clearly specified evidence for every item you claim points for. I had to send the original copies of diplomas, official transcripts, copies of my payslips, and a letter from my university stating that the income I claimed was the income I earned. I think there's something about giving away a first-born child too, but I managed to get a waiver on that one, at least for now.

More information is at:

http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/working_in_the_uk/en/homepage/schemes_and_programmes/hsmp.html

There's also a link to an FAQ on the Web site above.

If that long URL doesn't work, you can search on the words "hsmp uk home office". Some results will appear for companies will complete your application for you, at a price. I don't recommend using these companies. Even though I made a couple of jokes about the process of applying, I also want to say that I found the forms to clear enough. I also found staff at the HSMP office to be helpful when I called. A final item I was impressed with is that I was told it would take 5-15 weeks to process my HSMP application. I received my approved application back in 4 weeks.