Poor/Bad Credit and work permits...

[wadihawi]

Hello Everyone,

Does having a bad or poor credit affect the chances of getting a work permit - (Specifically a PSW or a skilled worker permit) ? if yes in what ways and how can this problem be solved?

where can I check the status of my credit?

Your responses are highly appreciated..

Many Thanks

[kiwigirl25]

http://www.experian.co.uk/

Experian are very reliable for credit record checks. We used them in the bank I used to work for. It looks like your first report is free but last time I ordered one it was £2.

I don't know the answer to your other question, suppose it depends how bad your credit rating is. If you have a reasonable explanation for any bad debts then I would hope they would take that into consideration.

When you get your report you can start resolving any poor ratings by paying off the debts you can and contacting any creditor for those ratings you don't agree with, i.e. if they say you've missed a payment but you can prove you didn't - ask them to update your records, banks have a habit of updating their records but not sending a "feed" through to Experian. So tell them, with confidence, that you wish any amendments to reflect on your credit rating. Also close all loans account and credit card accounts that have a nil balance and you don't think you will need in the future - the less credit available to you the better. Any accounts you feel should be closed once again phone the creditor and explain that it still shows on your credit record as opened and request they take the necessary action to remove it. A loan even with a nil balance impacts your credit rating. Banks are sly as you probably know from recent news reports. But be warned, it will take a couple of months to impact your credit report.

All assuming you are referring to your UK credit record.

[London102]

Credit and/or finance related matters fall under Good Character Requirements. Bad credit affects the decision only if you have been declared bankrupt and are not discharged and you have been reckless with your finances and have mounted debt for which there is no repayment plan in place or agreed with the creditors.

Though all bad credit related questions are now more frequently been asked on various visa/work permit/ extension forms, however their weghtage is counted only if irresponsible behaviour is proven.

Most of the time you dont need any credit report about yourslef. You are the best judge for yourself though you can always check your credit file for details in case of doubt.

You may get your credit file for free if you have applied for credit within 60 days and have been declined. There are 3 major credit buerues in the market. Experian, Call Credit and Equifax. Most lenders use any 2 of them. Hence call them and provide all your details and they will send you a copy of your credit file held with them. Bear in mind that information held in a credit file from one bureau may differ from a credit file that has been compiled by other credit bureau.

Now coming back to your question whether or not poor credit affects the chances then the fair answer would be "NO", unless you are bankrupt and have received BRO (Bankruptcy Restriction Order) which is a kind of criminal effect.

With regards to solving the poor credit problem is concerned, then again the shortest answer would be to check the grey areas in your credit file and try to sort them. Negotiate a payment plan or if you have ample funds available, pay off the debt and get relieved.

Let me know if this helps.

quote="wadihawi"]Hello Everyone,

Does having a bad or poor credit affect the chances of getting a work permit - (Specifically a PSW or a skilled worker permit) ? if yes in what ways and how can this problem be solved?

where can I check the status of my credit?

Your responses are highly appreciated..

Many Thanks[/quote]

[wadihawi]

Thank you so much for all your efforts, help and advise. I highly appreciate it...

Thanks Again..