ETCi is able to offer permanent positions in the UK for some overseas candidates applying for highly skilled positions.
How long can I stay?
This depends on your immigration status.
EU candidates (NOT Bulgarians & Romanians) are entitled to work in the UK for as long as they wish because there are no restrictions on their movements within the EU.
Non-EU candidates will usually have to take one of 2 routes: Either HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) or a Business & Commercial Work Permit.
The main difference between these 2 routes is that the HSMP allows you to work for any employer whereas a work permit is applied for on an employer’s behalf and is valid only for work with that employer.
The HSMP is usually issued for an initial 2 years after which it can then be extended (subject to the existing criteria) for up to a further 3 years.
Work Permits can be issued for anything from 1 day to 5 years depending on the length of time requested by the employer.
After you have spent a full 5 years working in the UK under either of these schemes you may then be eligible to apply for Permanent Leave to Remain in the UK.
Non-EU candidates please bear in mind that the criteria for gaining a Work Permit or HSMP are very strict, with few exceptions. Make sure you consult the information on our Work Permit website to check your eligibility before even attempting to enquire about a permanent position through ETCi.
Please contact either hsmp@etci.co.uk or workpermit@etci.co.uk if you think you have the right qualifications / job offer to apply through one of these programmes.