Timeline too short?

I am hoping to apply for a job with a company in Cambridge. The hiring director said they've been looking for a while for someone to fill this position and they are willing to hire from the States. The employer would have to sponsor me for a work permit, as I am not a British or EU citizen (just USA). My question to you all is: Today is April 25. This position starts early May. Is it possible to get all of the required paperwork done in time?

Thanks.

It is feasible, but is cutting it quite short.  If they have fulfilled the advertising requirement then they should be able to make the application immediately, and if all of the paperwork is correct it could be proceed within a week...you would then have to get entry clearance which need only take a day.

It might be quicker for them if they use a consutancy to process the application for them.

Victoria

Thank you for the reply, Victoria. I've been doing more reading on the various UK visa sites, and it looks like the potential employer would have to apply for the work permit (ukvisas.gov.uk said this should be done 8 weeks in advance) and then, once the permit is issued, I would have to apply for a visa. Is this correct?

If that is correct, the job is supposed to begin in 2 weeks, so we don't have the required 8 weeks. I will mention this to the employer - maybe they'd be willing to push back the start date. *wishful thinking*

Oh, and do you know where I can find information on the advertising requirements?

Thanks again,
Angela

All the information is on www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

The 8 weeks is not really case - a well presented application can go through in as little as a week, I do this all the time!


Victoria

AngelaL,

I am in a similar situation as you are now. With the exception that my work permit paperwork started 7 weeks ago. I was told it shouldn't take more than three weeks, but five weeks after I sent the paperwork to my employeer I got an email asking for yet more paperwork.  Then, a week after sending the extra paperwork and inquiring about the status of my workpermit I got an email from my employeer...the lady in charge of my case have been out from the office and she was just then going to give my paperwork to the work permit consultants and ask if that was what they needed for the work permit.  Last I knew I had a June 5th start date, but with no work permit after seven weeks I am not sure I will make it!

I will highly recommend that you keep close contact with your employer. I am sure they would push back the start date if needed.  They really cannot control the WP process, but I am sure they can accomodate you.

good luck!

Unbelievable how often I see this...and usually when it is HR who are responsible for sorting the permit out, rather than the manager who actually needs you!


Victoria