Work permit extension

[penanglad]

My two-year work permit expires on 26 January 2006 but my job does not end till 3 March. I am going back to Malaysia for Christmas. Assuming my employer gets a work permit extension, can I get a new entry clearance until 3 March at the point of entry, as it is less than six months? Alternatively, can I get entry clearance at the British high commission?

Many thanks.

[John]

Just to be totally clear here .... the employment visa in your passport expires .... when?

[penanglad]

On the same date, 26 January 2006. Unfortunately the work permit term was "24 months from the date of leave to enter", so it ran from the date I entered the UK (24 January 2004), rather than the date I actually started work. The entry clearance also ran from this date, because the High Commission asked me what date I was scheduled to enter the UK.

[Smit]

Penanglad,

What date are you scheduled to fly back to the UK from your Christmas holidays? If before the 26th Jan and assuming that your WP is extended, best thing would be to lodge the FLR(IED) application in the UK (before 26th Jan).

Obviously if money is an issue, then getting an EC may be the better option as it costs only £85 compared to the £335 (postal) and £500 (PEO).

S

[penanglad]

I will probably go with the EC route. However, I was wondering whether it would be possible to treat the extension as a work permit for less than six months, and get leave to enter on entry. I am returning on 1 January.

[Smit]

If you were coming from Malaysia to take up work permit employment for 6 months or less, then I believe you are not required to have WP EC. But in your case you have been living in the UK and are technically required to obtain FLR if the duration of your existing WP is extended.

Others can comment on whether the immigration officer is likely to stamp an extension of leave to remain in your passport on entry to the UK.