Possibly applying for a job in the UK

[marillion]

So, there is a really interesting PR job open at the University of Surrey and I really want to apply..

I'm wondering if the Brits here, or Americans who have worked in the UK could offer thoughts on the work visa process..

Obviously I'd need a Right to Work Visa... But how long is the process and should I, even though I haven't been asked to interview, get the ball rolling? If I'm granted an interview, I'd hate to be asked "Do you have the right to work here" and not be able to say that it's in the works, at least..

 

[Starkers]

A lot of UK application forms will probably ask the question so it's probably worth getting the ball rolling. Have you looked at the UK Border Agency website yet yet?

 

[cultcross]

It will be one of the first questions asked (not openly, of course, for a professional job, there will just be a box marked 'National Insurance No:'). So you need to have something underway before you formally apply. My first thought would be to speak to the university and check they would be wiling to support it, because unless you have family here, are super rich, clergy, or friends with a Tory, you will need an employer on board to get the work permit. Before you phone, make sure you are actually eligible for UK entry (clean criminal record etc).

Bear in mind that in order to hire you the university will probably have to show the UK Borders Agency that they couldn't employ a British national for the post.

 

[marillion]

Ah... All good information to know... I appreciate the input so far!

 

[Stephen!]

You don't want to come here. It rains all the time

 

[DonIago]

^Ha! I visited England back in '07 (stayed in Southend but visited London a lot) and made that joke since it did rain for at least a little bit every day. My host argued that the weather was atypical and I mostly laughed it off since it didn't bother me in any case.

Then I heard a state of emergency had been declared on the west side of England due to flooding and felt mildly chagrined.

That said, my host worried I'd be disappointed if we visited Stonehenge because he'd somehow (he implied Spinal Tap was responsible) gotten the notion that the stones were six feet tall, so apparently we're both completely ignorant.

 

[An Officer]

Are you crazy!? Don't do it! J/k.

 

[MacLeod]

Don't know if you spotted this which might help a bit.

http://www.surrey.ac.uk/about/corporate/policies/eligibility_to_work_in_the_uk.pdf