Applying for work permit : DYI or Hire lawyer?

[BostonIdiot]

I have *potential* IT job opportunity in UK. And the employer told me that he'd never hired foreign nationals or applied for work permit before.

My question is

Should he do it himself to apply for work permit by simply filling out WP1 form?

-OR-

Should he hire an immigration attorney or some kind of professional service to let them handle the procedure?

Which is the most common practice among employers who are to hire foreign national workers?

In US, it's always best practice to hire lawyer when they are employing foreign workers. Is it same in UK?

If anyone knows, let me know.

Thanks,
Jimmy

[Joseph]

Most companies use lawyers, although it's not necessary. The rules are complex (especially regarding the possible need for market testing) and companies can use their in-house resources for better purposes than learning this stuff.
Joseph

[ppron747]

Most companies use lawyers, although it's not necessary. The rules are complex (especially regarding the possible need for market testing) and companies can use their in-house resources for better purposes than learning this stuff.
Joseph

If the prospect of legal fees puts your prospective employer into reverse gear, Jimmy, you might like to look into the possibility of your qualifying under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, which allows you to make the running, rather than him. Have a look at http://www.workingintheuk.gov.uk/workin ... hsmp.html?, which gives a broad overview of the Programme, and links to the "Forms" section, with detailed guidance notes.

There's also an HSMP forum on this website - see Index...

[Joseph]

ppron747
I agree, having been a beneficiary of the HSMP scheme myself. There are lots of benefits of HSMP including the flexibility of not being tied to one employer, being able to do self employment, and the fact that the job doesn't have to go through a search process.

But a lot has changed with HSMP since the early days when it was fast and free. Now it costs £315 for the basic application and £335 for the leave to remain (for in-country initial applications and one-year extensions). It also takes a few months for approval compared to Work Permits, which usually take a lot less time.

Also, when the applicant applies for HSMP, generally it is applicant and not the employer who will be paying the fees. It's just something to factor into the decision making.

Joseph