Applying for jobs in the UK
Countries throughout the world have immigration regulations which affect the ability of non-nationals to obtain work. If you wish to seek work in a country of which you are not a citizen, you need to find out what the regulations are for that country and comply with them. This may restrict your ability to work in many countries.
Work permits
The United Kingdom is part of the European Economic Area (EEA). Nationals of countries in the EEA (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom) are able to work in the UK and any other part of the EEA without restriction. Citizens of other countries are covered by immigration regulations and will usually require a work permit to take up employment in the UK after their course. Only an employer can apply for a work permit, and the conditions and criteria which the employer must follow are shown at UK Border Agency. This site also shows information about studying in the UK if you are a non-EEA citizen.
Theoretically it is possible for an employer to obtain a work permit for any graduate. However, experience suggests that the more relevant work experience the candidate has, the better their chances of being given a permit. Students completing an undergraduate degree who have little relevant work experience will find it more difficult to obtain the permit from an employer.
In addition to the Work Permit scheme, there are several other schemes that allow overseas nationals to take up residence and employment in the UK. One that could be appropriate for MBA students and other graduates with extensive work experience is the Highly Skilled Worker Programme. This scheme involves a 'points system'. If your educational qualifications, SALARY and previous experience provide you with enough points, you may be eligible for the scheme.
The International Graduates Scheme (IGS) has replaced the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme. It enables non-EEA students who have successfully completed and obtained a degree, Master’s degree, PhD, or postgraduate certificate or diploma on or after 1 May 2007 to work in the UK for up to 12 months upon completion of their studies. If they want to remain in the UK beyond this time, they can switch into an appropriate immigration category to pursue their career, provided they meet the relevant requirements.
Immigration regulations are complex. Furthermore, the UK government has recently changed the legislation regarding who can and who cannot give advice on immigration and work permit matters. Essentially this means that only qualified immigration lawyers can advise clients on their chances of getting work permits for the UK. The law says that we may present you with information on work permits for the UK, but that we should not advise you on your own personal situation.
Every year The Management School arranges a special talk on immigration issues for overseas (non-EEA) students who would like to work in the UK. You are strongly urged to attend if you wish to work in the UK and require a work permit.
A number of overseas Lancaster students receive job offers from UK employers each year. Our experience has been that work permit applications for postgraduate students have usually been successful. Nevertheless, persuading an employer that it is worth the extra effort of applying for a work permit can be difficult, and some employers refuse to accept job applications from people who require a work permit.
There are several other schemes, besides the IGS and the Highly Skilled Worker Programme, that allow non-EEA nationals to work in the UK. These currently include schemes to provide permits for 'Highly Talented People' and for those who wish to be self-employed or to invest substantial sums in UK businesses.
Immigration regulations in other countries are often quite different. We cannot provide information or advice on immigration to countries other than the UK.
