# Travel >> Destinations >> United Kingdom

How to Apply for a Work Permit in the UK

Securing a work permit in the United Kingdom is predicated on receiving a job offer from a UK employer that is willing to sponsor you. The UK Border Agency no longer issues work permits to foreign workers (with the exception of Bulgarian and Romanian nationals). Today, your employer must apply for a permit on your behalf: if their application is approved you will be able to work for three years and one month, or the time determined by your employer plus one month, whichever time period is shorter. After this period expires, you may apply to extend your stay.

Instructions

- 1
  Obtain a job offer from a UK employer. Upon extending an official job offer, your employer will have to draft a certificate of sponsorship outlining the terms of your employment. This virtual document has a reference number that you will need to apply for entry to the United Kingdom.
- 2
  Pass the mandated points-based assessment, where you will be awarded points based on your qualifications, sponsor, expected future wages, present funds and English-speaking abilities.
- 3
  Determine what type of permit you are eligible for (see Resources): Business and commercial, sportspeople and entertainers, GATS (Global Agreement on Trade in Services, Sectors Based Scheme (SBS), Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES), or Multiple-entry Work Permits (MEWPs). You will have to fill out the corresponding application.
- 4
  Provide your employer with all the pertinent information needed to fill out a work permit application, which must be submitted at least eight weeks before your anticipated start date. Once the application is approved, you will have to wait to receive your permit. You will not be allowed to enter the United Kingdom if do not have a permit.