Ensuring your workers are eligible to work in the UK

Extend or change existing work permits

If you want to extend a work permit, you need to fill in form WP1X which is available from the Work Permits (UK) website. You need to say why and for how much longer you need to employ the person. Download work permit form WP1X to apply for an extension to a work permit from the Working in the UK website (DOC).

You can't apply to extend a Multiple Entry Work Permit. Instead, you'll need to submit a fresh application when the old one expires.

Change of employment applications
If you want to employ somebody who already has a work permit that was issued for another job, either with your business or another, apply on form WP1. Download a WP1 form to employ someone who already has a work permit for another job from Work Permits (UK) website (DOC).

There are separate forms for categories, such as sports people, entertainers and student internships. Find all work permit application forms at the Work Permits (UK) website

You won't need to carry out a recruitment search if the type of work the person is doing remains broadly the same. However, if the application involves a change to the duties and conditions of work, a search of the resident labour market will normally be required.

Technical changes of employment
As an employer of someone holding a work permit, you will need to notify Work Permits (UK) of:

• any changes to the address at which the person is employed
• full details of any business transfer involving the permit holder

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Check entitlement to work in the UK
• When to check documents and how long to keep them
• Who doesn't need permission to work?
• Understand the work permit scheme
• Check if an applicant qualifies for a work permit
• How to apply for a work permit
• Extend or change existing work permits
• Employees from the European Economic Area

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