Work Permit Processing Time Targets
In late July 2007 the part of the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) dealing with applications for work permits gave details of current processing time targets. Work Permit Business Teams aim to decide 70% of work applications within 5 working days and 90% within 15 working days. Where an application for a work permit is refused and an applicant asks for a review of a decision, Work Permits UK aim to decide the review within 15 working days. They stated that applicants will receive either a decision letter or a request for further information within a week of receipt of a work permit application.
The Border and Immigration Agency expressed concern that if too many people contact them to request updates on the progress of their application this can slow down processing times. They asked people not to make such requests until 7 days after submitting an application or 3 weeks after submitting a request for a review.
The speed with which work permits are issued under the UK system is the envy of many countries in the world. Under the proposed Points-Based system for immigration to the UK, there will no longer be a two stage process, whereby an employer applies for a work permit and then the proposed employee takes the work permit and applies at an Embassy or High Commission for entry clearance (a visa) at a post abroad. Instead a one-stage application will be made at the post abroad. Lawyers such as Gherson and Co., who handle large numbers of work permit applications, are watching developments around the Points-Based system and advocating that the UK must take steps to retain speed and quality under the new system.
