uk entry clearance

The workpermit process is made up of two parts, one is the work permit itself the other is the Entry Clearance (EC).

The Entry Clearance has to be done outside of the UK normally in your home country (good excuse for a holiday), so if you are in the UK you will have to go home once the work permit is approved. Check with the OISC registered consultant dealing with your application on exactly how long they think it will take, they should be able to give you a rough idea - ask them how long the last persons took.

You may only have to be home for a few days, sometimes weeks depending on the country you are doing the EC in.

Make sure your employer knows you will have to go away during this process early on, they wont be too happy if you have to leg it home for 2 weeks, remember it will sound like you are taking the p**s if you give them no notice. It will always sound like a holiday to them, so keep them informed.