Are you a Working Holiday Maker whose UK career plans have been hit by the latest visa changes? We can help

09 May 2008

Thousands of Australians, South Africans and New Zealanders were taken by surprise a couple of months ago after the UK government announced Working Holiday Makers are now no longer able to switch to a highly skilled visa while they are in the UK.

Many already in the UK and intending to upgrade their visa to the skilled category, now find they can’t, without returning back to their country of origin for a number of weeks. For those intent on building their career in the UK this is having a major impact.

Many were hoping to be promoted to a permanent role, on the expectation that they could switch to a skilled visa but with definite time limits now in place some employers are showing reluctance to invest in working holiday makers as important members of the work force.

However it’s not all doom and gloom.  Antipodeans need to remember they play a vital part in the UK workforce and that British employers highly value their skills and experience. With communication and some forward planning Working Holiday Makers can do lots to progress their UK career path.

How determined are you to progress your UK career?
Firstly, you need to accept that to get a skilled UK visa you will probably need to return to your country of origin for a period of time (up to 12 weeks in some cases) once your working holiday maker visa comes to an end. If that doesn't put you off the prospect of a glittering UK job then there are many positive steps that you can take while you are here.
 

Helping yourself

  • Firstly, do you qualify for a skilled ( tier 1 ) visa ? Why not click here for free help in finding out if you are elibigle ? 
  • Check if you can do more while you are in the UK to help increase your skilled visa point score?
  • If you have found your ideal firm then explain your plans to your bosses. They will value your commitment and hopefully factor you into their future planning.
  • Talk to them about the option of sponsorship; they will need to be prepared to take you on as a permanent employee and happy to enter the work permit agreement with the Home Office.
  • Make definite dates so that everyone is working within a set time frame
  • Make contacts, get names, emails that you can use in the future.
  • Research what documentation you will need and for your skilled visa application and start getting it altogether.

When you are considering your visa options it is often useful to talk to a professional migration agent.  At FastrackUK we partner with a leading UK company who offer a free initial assessment. Why not give us a call  on the contact details above , to discuss your situation and we can make sure you talk to people who can help.

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