Information for Non UK Residents

Included below are sections that may help you to relocate effectively to Bangor from outside the UK. The Services section contains a varied selection of services and web sites you may need such as the main utilities companies, banks and bringing your car into the UK.If we have not included some aspect that you think would be useful for this site can you please let us know. Contact us. We would like to thank MEWN Cymru for allowing us to reproduce sections of their publication ‘Reaching through the mist’.

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Permits

The University has a legal responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. 

For some positions the University may be able to issue a certificate of sponsorship for a suitably qualified applicant who is not currently eligible to legally live and work in the UK. 

 

Do I require a Certificate of Sponsorship?

The UK Visas and Immigration website has full details to help you assess whether you would be eligible to apply for one of our vacancies and whether a Certificate of Sponsorship would be required. 

If you are an Irish citizen you do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme. 

How do I obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship?

The University is registered to issue Certificates of Sponsorship for Skilled Worker, Temporary Worker – Government Authorised Exchange (T5) and Student Visas.

If you are successful in securing an appointment/job/offer of sponsored visit at the University the Human Resources Department will contact you to request additional information required for them to issue you with a Certificate of Sponsorship. Once they are fully satisfied you meet the requirements for a Certificate of Sponsorship they will contact you with details of your certificate number. You will then be able to apply for a Visa to enter, or if you are already in the U.K in an eligible Tier to allow you take up the post, to apply for a new Visa to entitle you to work for the University.

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What is the length of duration my Certificate of Sponsorship will cover?

This will depend on the length of contract you receive. The Certificate of Sponsorship will not cover any longer than the period you have been offered. However, if you have applied for a permanent position you should note that the maximum initial duration of Certificate of Sponsorship is 5 years and you will either need to extend your visa after that period or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

How do I apply for a Visa to take up the post?

If you are applying for your Visa from outside of the UK you should visit the UK Visa website where details of application forms for all Tiers can be found. The Human Resources Department will inform you which Tier you should be applying for at the time that they issue you with your Certificate of Sponsorship.

For each type of application form there will be a set of Notes for Guidance which will detail the supporting documentation you will be expected to provide with your application.

If you are applying for your Visa from within the UK as you already hold a Tier 2 /Skilled Worker visa and you need a new visa to switch employer you should visit the UK Visas and Immigration website where details of application forms can be found.

If you are already in the UK under a Tier other than Tier 2/Skilled Worker  you should visit the UK Visas and Immigration website  to check whether you are allowed to apply in country to switch into Tier 2.  

Your Certificate of Sponsorship will be valid for a period of 3 months from date of issue. The expiry date will appear on the Certificate. You must therefore ensure you apply before this date otherwise your application for a Visa will be turned down. Please also check the relevant Notes for Guidance for the Tier you are applying for to ensure you meet all other requirements. 

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How do I apply for a Criminal records Check for my visa application? 

You may need to apply for a Criminal Records Check if you post is within the UKVI list of roles requiring one. Further details can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website  

Are my dependants eligible to apply for a Visa?

Generally, as long as your dependants are under 18 they will be allowed to apply for their Visa to enter/remain in the UK as your dependant at the same time as yourself.

Details of dependant Visa’s, can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website

Will my dependants be allowed to work?

Yes, your dependants will be allowed to work as long as you continue to hold a valid Tier Visa.

How do I extend my Visa if my post is extended with the University for a further period?

As long as the duties of your post remain unchanged from those for which you received your initial Visa then the University will be able to issue you a Certificate of Sponsorship to extend your Visa.

You will then be required to apply for Further Leave to Remain in the UK (extend your Visa). Details of how you can do this can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website

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How long can my Visa be extended for?

The maximum length a visa can be issued for is 5 years. The Certificate of Sponsorship will not cover any longer than the period you have been offered a job. At the end of the 5 year period, or whatever period your current visa is for if less than 5 years, you can apply to extend your visa, again up to a maximum of 5 years at a time and continue to repeat this extension process for as long as you require a Skilled Worker visa. You can also choose to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK should you wish once you have been in the UK for 5 years or more on a Skilled Worker/Tier 2 visa.

Can my dependants Visa be extended?

As long as your dependants are still under the age of 18 they will be eligible to have their Visa’s extended in line with yours. Details of how this can be done can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website

What will happen when I reach 5 years?

After a continuous period of 5 years on a Skilled Worker/Tier 2 visa you may be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. Details of how to apply can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website. You do not however have to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and can simply choose to apply to extend your Skilled Worker visa instead.

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Can my dependants apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain?

Yes, as long as they continue to be under the age of 18 they will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain as your dependants once they have completed 5 years in the UK under their Skilled Worker/Tier 2 dependant visa. Details of how to apply can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website

What is the Healthcare Surcharge?

You might need to pay a healthcare surcharge as part of your application for your visa. Payment of the surcharge gives you access to the National Health Services once you are here in the UK working under your visa.

If you are required and you do not pay the surcharge, then your visa application will be refused.

Full details of what the healthcare surcharge is, how much it costs, what it covers etc can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website

What documents can I show as evidence that I am eligible to work in the U.K?

DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE FOR ELIGIBILITY TO WORK IN THE U.K.

Under the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 you are required to provide documentary evidence of your eligibility to work in the U.K.  Any evidence you do provide must be original.  Copies will not be accepted.  Human Resources will retain a copy on your individual record to confirm the employment may commence.

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What documents can I show?

Under the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 you are required to provide documentary evidence of your eligibility to work in the U.K.  Human Resources will retain a copy/record of the check undertaken on your individual HR record.  The documents you can provide will depend on what is available to you, and whether a Manual or an online right to work check is being undertaken.

MANUAL DOCUMENT-BASED RIGHT TO WORK CHECK

For a manual check, all documentation must be the original.  Copies will not be accepted. In addition to the documents listed below, Skilled Worker and Tier 5 visa holders are required to show their in date passport on appointment (details page) plus if entering the UK for the first time, the immigration entry stamp – or if the stamp is not available, other evidence of date of entry to the UK e.g.  travel tickets or boarding pass (paper or electronic). 

 

LIST A

If you present documentation from this list no further checks will be required during your employment.

1.

A passport (current or expired) showing the holder, or a person named in the passport as the child of the holder, is a British citizen or a citizen of the UK and Colonies having the right of abode in the UK.

2.

A passport or passport card (current or expired) showing that the holder is a national of the Republic of Ireland.

3.

A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom indefinitely.

4.

A document issued by the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Isle of Man, showing that the holder has been granted unlimited leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the Jersey Immigration Rules, Appendix EU to the Immigration rules (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Rules 2008 or Appendix EU to the Isle of Man Immigration Rules.  Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service. You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

5.

A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder indicating that the person named is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.

6.

A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, has the right of abode in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK.

7.

A current Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office to the holder with an endorsement indicating that the named person is allowed to stay indefinitely in the UK, or has no time limit on their stay in the UK, PLUS an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a government agency or a previous employer.

8.

A birth or adoption certificate issued in the UK PLUS an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a government agency or a previous employer.

9.

A birth or adoption certificate issued in the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or Ireland PLUS an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a government agency or a previous employer.

10.

A certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen PLUS an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a government agency or a previous employer.

LIST B – GROUP 1

If you present documentation from this list further checks will be required on the expiry date detailed in the documentation if employment is to continue beyond that date.

1.

A current passport endorsed to show that the holder is allowed to stay in the UK and is currently allowed to do the type of work in question.

2.

A current Biometric Immigration Document (Biometric Residence Permit) issued by the Home Office to the holder which indicates that the named person can currently stay in the UK and is allowed to do the work in question.

3.

A current document issued by the Home Office to a family member of an EEA or Swiss citizen, and which indicates that the holder is permitted to stay in the United Kingdom for a time limited period and to do the type of work in question.

4.

A document issued by the Bailiwick of Jersey, the Bailiwick of Guernsey or the Isle of Man, showing that the holder has been granted limited leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the Jersey Immigration Rules, Appendix EU to the Immigration (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Rules 2008 or Appendix EU to the Isle of Man Immigration Rules.  Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service.  You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

5.

A document issued by the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Bailiwick of Guernsey, showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the Jersey Immigration Rules or Appendix EU to the Immigration (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Rules 2008, on or before 30 June 2021.  Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service.  You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

6.

A frontier worker permit issued under regulation 8 of the Citizens’ Rights (Frontier Workers) (Eu Exit) Regulations 2020.

7.

A current Immigration Status Document containing a photograph issued by the Home Office to the holder with a valid endorsement indicating that the named person may stay in the UK, and is allowed to do the type of work in question, PLUS an official document giving the person’s permanent National Insurance number and their name issued by a government agency or a previous employer.

LIST B – GROUP 2

If you present documentation from this list further checks will be required within 6 months of presenting.

1.

A document issued by the Home Office showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the immigration rules on or before 30 June 2021. Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service.  You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

2.

A document issued by the Bailiwick of Jersey or the Bailiwick of Guernsey showing that the holder has made an application for leave to enter or remain under Appendix EU to the Jersey Immigration Rules or Appendix EU to the Immigration (Bailiwick of Guernsey) Rules 2008 on or before 30 June 2021 Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service.  You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

3.

An application Registration Card issued by the Home Office stating that the holder is permitted to take the employment in question.  Human Resources are also then required to request the information be verified as valid by the Home Office Employer Checking Service.  You may only start work once a Positive Verification Notice has been received.

4.

A positive Verification Notice issued by the Home Office Employer Checking Service to the employer or prospective employer which indicates that the named person may stay in the UK and is permitted to do the work in question.

ONLINE RIGHT TO WORK CHECK

Not all individuals will have an immigration status that can be checked online.  However, if you have been issued your immigration status digitally by the Home Office you can use the online service to prove your right to work.  To do this you would need to provide the University with your ‘share code’ which allows us to access your information online.

If your online check indicates your immigration status is time-limited a further check will be required on the expiry date detailed in the documentation if employment is to continue beyond that date.

In addition to the online check via share code, Skilled Worker and Tier 5 visa holders are required to show their in date passport on appointment (details page) plus if entering the UK for the first time, the immigration entry stamp – or if the stamp is not available, other evidence of date of entry to the UK e.g.  travel tickets or boarding pass (paper or electronic). 

 

Who should I contact if I have any queries not answered here?

Please contact Louise Shipton in the Human Resources Department on extension 2073 or by email

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Services

The following areas are covered in this section:-

Opening a UK Bank Account

As your salary will be paid directly into your bank account you will need to ensure you open a UK bank account as soon as possible.
There are a number of banks located in the centre of Bangor: Barclays Bank, HSBC Bank, Lloyds TSB Bank, Natwest and also Santander on the University campus. Whichever bank you choose you will need to provide the following documents:
  • your passport
  • your contract of employment
  • an official document clearly showing your last non UK home address (i.e. bank statement, bill etc)
  • a document confirming your new UK home address (if you are unable to obtain one you can contact Human Resources with your address details and a letter will be provided)

Information regarding driving in the UK

To drive in the UK you must have the following:

  • A car registered under the owners name
  • A full driving licence
  • A valid vehicle Excise Licence (Tax Disc)
  • Car Insurance
  • A valid MOT certificate

For all information regarding these issues go to DVLA - Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency

The vehicle registration document shows the registered keeper of the car. If you are buying a new car in the UK they will apply for a registration number for you. When you buy a used vehicle you must complete he registration document (Notification of Changes) and send it to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AR.

Driving Licence

          If you have a driving licence from another country you might be able to exchange it for a UK licence with or without taking a driving test.

You can use an international drivers licence in the UK for up to one year. After a year you may have to apply for a UK driving licence and you may have to take a theory test. You must contact the DVLA for information.

Tax Disc

        A tax disc that is displayed on the windscreen of a car shows that you have paid the annual tax for your car.

You can buy a vehcle licence for six or twelve months. If you are registering the vehicle for the first time in the UK you can licence it for part of the month in which it is first registerd plus six or twelve months after that.

Car Insurance

         There are many policies available in the UK. Go to the Yellow Pages and the Internet to find out the companies who provide car insurance.

Additional Information regarding motoring.

Utilities

Utilities covers the gas, electricity and water companies in the UK. For information on companies providing services in your area look in the telephone directory under "electricity supply companies", "gas suppliers" and "water suppliers".

Telephone


There are many companies in the UK that provide telephone services. If you are moving house it is likely that a telephone line has already been installed if not, you will have to apply to BT for a line. They can be found at:
www.bt.com

The Yellow Pages is the name of the main telephone directory with contact information on main areas of business.
www.yell.com

TV Licence


Everyone who possesses a TV has to pay a TV licence. TV licences must be renewed annually and can be purchased from Post Offices or on-line. For more information go to: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau

Citizens Advice Bureau provide free, confidential and independent advice. Advice is available face-to-face and by telephone. Most bureaux offer home visits and some also provide email advice. Our advice helps people resolve their debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality, disability or religion.www.adviceguide.org.uk

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Benefits & Tax

If you are/will be subject to immigration control and have/will have limited leave to enter or remain in the U.K. you will not be entitled to claim benefits or services considered as public funds under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 and the Immigration Rules. At present the following are considered as Public Funds and you would therefore not be entitled to claim them:

  • Housing and homeless assistance;
  • Attendance allowance;
  • Severe disablement allowance;
  • Carer’s allowance;
  • Disability living allowance;
  • Income support;
  • A social fund payment;
  • Council tax benefit;
  • Child benefit;
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance;
  • State pension credit;
  • Child tax credit;
  • Working tax credit; and
  • Housing benefit.

National Insurance

If you do not already have a U.K. National Insurance number (N.I. number) you will need to apply for one as soon as possible.

The N.I. number allocated to you is unique to you. Only one number is allocated to you and you keep that same number all your life.

What is an N.I. number?

It is your account number allocated to you for you to use in all your dealings with U.K. Inland Revenue and the Department for Work and Pensions. It is not proof of your identity. The number will look something like this: AB123456C

Why do I need a N.I. number?

When you receive your N.I. number you should inform either Human Resources or Payroll immediately. As the number is unique to you it ensures we correctly record your N.I. contributions or credits to your N.I. account. You will need these contributions and credits when you come to claim benefits i.e. Incapacity Benefit, Retirement Pension etc.

You will therefore need to quote the number on any letters/forms that you send to the Inland Revenue.

Keep your number safe and do not disclose it to anyone who does not need it. Remember, its purpose is only to record N.I. contributions and credits you have paid or are entitled to; and to help decide how much benefit you are entitled to.

How do I apply for a N.I. number?

To apply for a N.I. number you should contact Human Resouces or your nearest Social Security office and ask for an appointment to be interviewed for a N.I. number. The following web site can be used to find the contact details of your local office: https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus

At the interview you will need to be able to prove your identity and also that you are employed. You should therefore take your passport, your Work Permit Certificate and your original contract of employment with you to the interview.

You will not be issued with a number on the day of your interview but will be requested for a postal address where one can be sent to you, normally within 8 weeks. You will receive a plastic N.I. number card. The card is meant to be a reminder of your number and nothing else – it does not provide proof of identity.

If you wish, you may ask for your card to be printed in both English and Welsh. Tell the office where you apply for your NI number that you would like a bilingual card.

For help with Social Security Benefits and National Insurance Number:

Other useful websites:-

Useful Websites

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