Applicants from the United States and Canada
Applicants from the United States/Canada
There are a number of ways in which you can work in the UK and some of the routes are set out below for guidance purposes only. You need to make sure that you have the right to work before you come to the UK. If you don't you may not be able to work or you may even be refused entry.
Working Holidaymaker Scheme
The working holidaymaker scheme is an arrangement whereby a single person aged 17 to 30 inclusive comes to the UK for the purpose of an extended holiday for a maximum period of two years before settling down in their own country and takes employment which is incidental to their holiday.
To qualify as a working holidaymaker you must show that:
- You are a Commonwealth citizen, British Dependent Territories citizen or British Overseas citizen; and you are seeking entry for an extended holiday
- You are single or married to a person who at the same time qualifies for entry as a working holidaymaker and that you intend to take a holiday together
- You do not have any dependent children who are five years of age or over or who will reach five years of age before you complete your holiday
- You only intend to take employment which will be incidental to your holiday
- You are able to support and accommodate yourself without resource to public funds
- You have the means to pay for your onward journey
- You intend to leave the UK on completion of your holiday
- You must obtain prior entry clearance before travelling to the UK
If you think that you qualify, contact your local British High Commission for further details.
Dual Nationality
If you have dual nationality in Britain or another European Union country, you are automatically entitled to work in the UK. All you need is a dual second passport.
Partiality (British parent or grandparent)
If you have a British parent or grandparent, you can claim the right to work in the UK for up to four years. Check with your local British High Commission for details about rules and to gain the necessary paperwork. If you have a parent or grandparent who was born a citizen in a European Union country, you may also be allowed to work in the UK (contact the relevant embassy).
Marriage
If you are married to a British national, you will be entitled to work in the UK. Similarly, if you are accompanying a spouse who has dual nationality or partiality you will also be entitled to work in the UK. The same usually applies if you are married to an EU citizen or to someone who has dual nationality in another EU country, but check with the embassies first.
BUNAC
Students in the United States can get help with working in the UK by contacting BUNAC.
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