Tier 1 Visa = Work Permit?

[maat1976]

Hi guys.

Is a Tier 1 visa the same as a work permit? I keep seeing these two terms used interchangably and it's confusing me.

Thanks!!

[ChetanOjha]

Hi guys.

Is a Tier 1 visa the same as a work permit? I keep seeing these two terms used interchangably and it's confusing me.

Thanks!!

No. They are different category of visas.
Work Permits are sponsored by employer. People on work permit cannot leave employer and work for another employer(on the same work permit).

Tier-1: People on Tier-1 have independence to work for any company/employer without any sponsorship.

[maat1976]

So if I have a Tier 1 visa, I don't need any other authorisation to work?

[push]

So if I have a Tier 1 visa, I don't need any other authorisation to work?

Tier-1 Visa is your authorisation to work.

[kartik6783]

maat1976,

Work permits are things of the past now and have been replaced with TIER-2 visas. If a company in india wants to transfer you to their offshore location, then they do what is termed as a "resident market labour test". Its a process where the job (if its not in the 'shortage occupation list') is advertised in the local job sites & papers for 28 days. So even after the stipulated time period of 28 days, the post is not filled, the employer can sponsor you(every employer is granted 'n' number of sponsorships, depending on their history of recruitment in the uk and other factors) under TIER-2.

TIER-1 : You need not have a prior job offer,but can still come to the UK and hunt for jobs.

Cheers.