Working in the UK

Finding a job in the UK is nearly the same as in the US, a resume is referred to as a CV or curriculum vitae, meaning life story.

If you’re looking for an employer to hire you from abroad, it is very difficult to find one to do so, because they have to explain why they cannot find a local citizen to do said job. There is, however, a Highly Skilled Migrant Worker Program, in which you may qualify for, and also a list of shortage occupations in which it is easier to obtain a work permit.

It is worthwhile to use the UK NARIC service to have an official “translation” of US qualifications to UK terms, there is a small fee.

See also our CV (Resume) Advice

You might not need any work-related visa at all: if you have permission to be in the UK as someone’s spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner, whether that person is permanently settled in the UK or not, you can normally work with no restrictions. This is true even if your spouse themselves has a restriction on working (for example, a student). Fiances and visitors cannot work at all.

If you are not coming to the UK as someone’s dependant, the UK Home Office has a range of schemes and programmes that allow US nationals to come and work in the UK. The website Working In The UK (see right) has a full listing of the Home Office schemes and programmes.

From 1 May 2007, graduates of UK universities can apply to work for 12 months under the International Graduates Scheme (see right). Highly skilled people who can demonstrate the required number of points can apply to join the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (see right). These schemes require no application or input from employers, and are not linked to a specific job.

If you are not eligible for any other scheme, you must obtain a Work Permit in order to come and work in the UK. Your UK Employer applies for on your behalf, and unless your job is an acknowledged shortage occupation, they must prove to the Home Office that it is a genuine vacancy that has been advertised but could not be filled by a local worker. If your Permit is granted, you use it to apply for immigration permission to stay and work in the UK.

A NIN (national insurance number) is the equivalent of a social security number. You are issued one and it remains yours for life. Your taxes/pension are kept track of via this number.

If you already are allowed to work, and living in the UK, you do NOT need one to look for work or apply for work (though you cannot look for work on a vistor visa!). You must apply for a number as soon as you start work. Contact the nearest Social Security Office (DWP) and ask for an appointment to be interviewed for a NIN. You will be issued a card in about 8 weeks. Take good care of the card, you will only be able to get ONE replacement for it.

You must inform them when you move or change names. One can also apply for a NIN before they look for work, though you will need to prove that you are looking.

If your family is applying for working tax credit or child tax credits, both partners will need to have a NIN, so make your appointment to apply for the NIN as soon as you know you’re applying for the tax credit, else it will cause delays in your the processing of your tax credit.

You can expect to have the NIN application interview scheduled for 6-8 weeks in advance, and spend 2 hours going over your application and documents. This is a very detailed interview, be well prepared.

Types of evidence and information

Here are some examples of the types of evidence and information they need. NO PHOTOCOPIES.

General documents such as your:

• passport
• National Identity card
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate

Documents to do with employment, such as:

• Payslips
• A work permit
• A letter from your employer
• Your contract of employment
• Details of any employment agencies you are registered with.

Documents to do with self-employment, such as:

• Invoices
• Letters from your accountant
• Letters from your clients
• Your Schedule D tax form.

You must bring any travel documents you have. These are documents that give information about your travel between countries, such as your passport.

If you have any other documents that you think may help prove your identity, please bring them with you.

If you do not have any documents you must still go to the interview.

You may be able to prove your identity with the information you give at the interview.