Non-EU citizen with EU long-term residence and the UK

[JamesCZ]

Dear all,
I could not find answers on any of the following in the forum. My 'history' is as follow: I am a South African citizen whom has received permanent residence in Czech Republic and thus long-term residence in the EU (after 5 years of continuous stay). My questions are:
1) Do I need a visa to visit the UK? South African passport holders need a visa for the UK. However, despite my South African passport, I have a long-term EU residence card (valid indefinitely although have to replace it every 10 years with a new one).
2) What is my options to work in the UK. There is an excellent permanent position available in Northern-Ireland, which is part of the UK.
3) What will happen if the UK will leave the EU in 2017?
Your help on the above will be highly appreciated.
James

[Lucapooka]

1. Your CZ residence has no bearing on your UK immigration status. You are a SA citizen and will need a visa to enter the UK.
2. You are subject to the work visa requirements like any non-EU national. Look at the Tier 2 guidance to see how you might qualify.
3. It would not be relevant to your situation as you are not an EU national.

[JamesCZ]

Thank you for the prompt reply.
First have to get some things straight. Czech Republic is one of the 28 countries of the EU. When you received permanent residence in the Czech Republic after 5 years of continuous stay, you simultaneously get long-term residence in the EU, and it is stated (in words) on your residence card. That is meaning that you can stay in the EU (under the condition that you are not absent for a continuous period of more than 6 year from the EU) for the rest of your life.
Thus, I can move among 27 countries of the EU without the need to obtain a visa. I can also work without the need to obtain a work permit in 27 countries of the EU, all that I need is to obtain a residence permit if the working period is longer than 3 months.
According to the answers the only EU country where I will be considered as a 'non-EU national' will then be the UK?

[Lucapooka]

Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom are not covered by the rules governing long-term resident status and it is not, therefore, possible to move freely to those countries using your PR status.

Countries which are covered by the directive on residence permits for long-term residents:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

[JamesCZ]

It is recommended that people whom are knowing what is going on in reality should comment in this forum. We all can read what is written on the internet. However, there is an enormous difference between what is written on the internet and what is happening in the real world.
Anyhow, if I was a 'non-EU national', and if I was interested in the position in Northern-Ireland, I would go for a Tier 1 visa, not a Tier 2. More than enough points for that.

[askmeplz82]

[quote="JamesCZ"][/quote]

Persons who have lived in an EU country ( except Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom ) for at least five years with a residence permit may apply for long-term resident status in that country. Persons who are granted long-term resident status receive a special EC residence permit. This gives them certain rights, similar to those of an EU citizen. This makes it easier for them to move to another EU country ( except Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom ) in order to work or study


You will need a VISA to come to UK


source: Sweden immigration

http://www.migrationsverket.se/info/587_en.html

[MPH80]

It is recommended that people whom are knowing what is going on in reality should comment in this forum. We all can read what is written on the internet. However, there is an enormous difference between what is written on the internet and what is happening in the real world.
Anyhow, if I was a 'non-EU national', and if I was interested in the position in Northern-Ireland, I would go for a Tier 1 visa, not a Tier 2. More than enough points for that.

I'm curious as to which tier 1 category you'd go for?