How do I apply for a work permit?

Employers wishing to employ migrants from non-EEA countries can no longer apply for work permits. See how How I sponsor a migrant for more information about recruiting workers from outside the EEA.

Work permit arrangements will continue for employers wishing to recruit Bulgarian and Romanian nationals.

Each of the separate categories of work permit arrangements has a corresponding application form.

Work permit applications when the employee is already in the United Kingdom

If you are applying for a work permit for someone already in the United Kingdom, he/she will only be able to switch to work permit employment in certain circumstances. You should read the page on Switching to a work permit or Switching to training and work experience for more information.

Once your work permit application has been approved, the employee must make an application for further leave to remain in the United Kingdom. For information on how to make this application you should see the Work permit holders section.

Work permit applications when the employee is outside the United Kingdom

If you are applying for a work pemit for someone outside the United Kingdom he/she will need to make an application for entry clearance once your work permit application has been approved. This application should be made at a British diplomatic post. Your employee should contact his/her nearest British diplomatic post or visa services for more information.

The information in this section provides an overview of the work permit arrangements. The work permit guidance notes provide more details of the work permit arrangements. If you are unable to find the information you need on these pages you should read the guidance notes for the arrangements you are interested in. Anyone intending to make a work permit application must read the appropriate guidance notes before making an application. You can download the application forms and guidance notes from the right side of this page.

Which form do I require?

Business and Commercial

Please use form WP1 when applying for first work permits, multiple entry work permits (MEWPs) and for changes of employment; or use form WP1X for extensions to existing work permits (this does not apply to MEWPs).

For sponsored researchers use form SR1 for new, change of employment or extension applications.

For postgraduate doctors and dentists use form PD1 for new, change of employment or extension applications.

Training and Work Experience (TWES)

Please use form WP1 when applying for TWES permits and for changes of employment or use WP1X for extensions to existing TWES permits.

To apply for Medical Training Initiative permits for medical professionals, doctors or dentists use form MTI1 for a first application and for extensions of the original application.

Sports and Entertainments

Please use form WP3 when applying for your first Sports and Entertainments work permit, multiple entry work permits (MEWPs) and for changes of employment; or use form WP3X for extensions to existing Sports and Entertainments work permits (this does not apply to MEWPs).

Student Internships

Please use form WPSI when applying for a Student Internship work permit.

Sectors Based Scheme

For Sectors Based Scheme (SBS) applications made to employ Bulgarian or Romanian nationals, use form SB1 for new and change of employment applications.

For current SBS permit holders who are not Bulgarian or Romanian nationals, please use form SB1 when applying for a change of employment, or use the SB1X form for extensions to existing work permits.

Where do I get the application form?

All the forms above can be downloaded from the right side of this page.

Where do I send the application form?

You can post it to:

UK Border Agency
PO Box 3973
Sheffield
S1 9BH

If you wish to send your application by courier the delivery address is:

UK Border Agency
Millburngate House
Durham
DH99 1SA

Whether you choose to use a courier or rely on the normal postal service, there will be a delay in processing your application if your application is sent to any address other than that given.