work visa questions

[janus911]

Hi Guys

I have been offered a job in the UK and the company is sponsoring my work permit. However I have to apply for the work permit on my own. I am currently in Australia and have an Indian passport. My question is do i use an agent for the application and if yes, does any one have an idea about a good migration agent in Australia, specifically melbourne.?

Thanks

AP

[Bevdeforges]

If the company is sponsoring your work permit, it should be fairly straightforward to make the visa application yourself. Take a look at the British consulate or embassy website. Normally the procedure is that the employer files their paperwork with the immigration officials and once permission for the work permit is granted, you should be notified - either by the employer or by the consulate. At that point, you then file your visa application - lots of paper to assemble, possibly have translated, and file (make copies of everything!) but otherwise no particular need for an agent (and agency fees!).
Cheers,
Bev

[nessietee]

Hiya,

Just a tip...

You should be vigilant when reading all the documents and guides. I know some of my friends who were careless and their work visas rejected. They had to start all over again which took another couple months.

Regards,
Ness

[Yaz]

You sure they aren't applying for the permit for you? Given the change in the regulations they should apply for the permit (in fact they have to) and then you have to obtain what is known as 'Entry Clearance' from Australia or in your case they may make you do it in India. Once they send you the permit you make an appointment at the British Consulate (Canberra for Australians) and take the relevant documentation with you. The Entry Clearance documents are pretty straightforward. In the meantime I would contact your prospective employer as you now need a 'license' to be able to sponsor candidates. THe Home Office switched the onus to the employer from the Home Office itself