Hi friends and alvarez specially,
I had a telephone interview today and might have to attend the 2nd and final round in London next week. Can experienced GCs who moved to UK guide me on the work permit? How is it issued, who to contact and how long does it normally take.
I am asking these questions because in case the company refuses to process work permit, then I guess i gotta do it on my own.
Thanks..

If a company refuses to process the work permit, you cannot get it, however if the company dont know how to do it and you want to do it for them then it is a seperate issue. normally takes from 3 to 6 months.
If you are already on work permit in Germany I would not suggest to come to UK on work permit. If anyway you wants to work in UK think about HSMP.

Hi M.K
thanks for the reply. It was a backup plan to know about the workpermit, in case am asked about it next week in London. SO i am tryin to get the info and make it easier for the company.
I think 3-6 months is a long time. I am 31, so am not sure about the HSMP points, etc etc.
Can anybody shed some more info, as this company is something which i was looking for and I dont want to miss the chance because of some work permit related issues.
Awating your feedbacks
GnR

Hi GnR,

processing times vary, normally it's about three weeks if the company starts it, but normally it takes about 1 day to fill the formular and then they give it to the lawyers who fast-track it for your in Croydon. You can hire the lawyers yourself, and they can rule everything with the company, filling the forms, which is the main hurdle for employers as they can be baffling.

It also depends on the kind of visa you get, you can easily get a MULTIPLE ENTRY WORK VISA, which lasts up to two years, but doesn't lead to settlement, (you won't get the equivalent to NE in germany). And you need to get a new one after the two years going back to your country of residency. Then comes the normal work permit visa, which leads to settlement.

There are more kinds of visas and permits, for example the Working Holiday Visa if you come from a Commonwealth country.

now you know ;-)

regards,
-a

more info can be found here
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1035898563790