The highest level of access to the UK in regard to occupation is the HSMP, or Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. Education supplies a large percentage of the 75 points needed for entry, with points awarded according to educational level. The Tier 1 version of the HSMP will go into effect in March of 2008.
Worker Registration Scheme (WRS) is a system by which new members of the EU can gain employment within the UK. It applied to nationals of Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia. Following a 12 month monitoring period the EU member can apply for a EEA Residence permit, after which he or she will have the right to move freely about the EU. This permit applies to a specific job, and if a different job is accepted, the process of registration must be renewed and the 12 month monitoring begins again. There are a few exemptions to the above rules. Check with your local visa office.
Sectors Based Scheme (SBS) now applies only to nationals of Bulgaria and Romania. The programme, which was originally slated to be phased out, has been extended to these two countries since they became member states of the EU. This programme provides entry to nationals of these two countries who are between the ages of 18 and 30. The permit has a maximum limit of twelve months, a job offer must be on the table. Employers must prove that the position offered cannot be filled by someone already in the UK. Work is limited to the hospitality and food manufacturing industries.
Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) provides for a worker to come to the UK not to fill a vacancy as with other schemes, but to train in order to gain professional qualifications or experience on the job. The age limitations for this scheme are 18 – 54 and the applicant must put in 30 hours of work per week. After three years the worker must leave the country, and if he wishes to work in the UK he must apply for a work permit after leaving the UK.
Beyond these permits and schemes are numerous others that have varied requirements. Further information can be obtained from a visa office in one's country of origin.
