Immigration Solicitors

Since May 2004, nationals from the A8 countries, the new EU accession states, instead of applying for a UK visa have needed to register on the WRS or Accession State Worker Registration Scheme. This does not apply to Maltese and Cypriot nationals or to self-employed nationals from a list of non-accession state countries.

These nationals from the accession states effectively constitute exceptions to normal UK immigration rules; they enjoy complete freedom of movement within the UK and are not required to be in possession of worker registration certificate or work permit to obtain employment here.

The accession states are Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic. As soon as nationals from these countries secure a job in the UK they must register under the WRS.

For their initial 12 months of employment, new EEA nationals are monitored by the UK Working Registration Scheme. After this period and provided they meet the necessary requirements, nationals from the countries listed above, who currently are without a visa, will be able to make an application for an EEA residence permit, which will give them the right to move around EU countries at will.

Specialist immigration solicitors, such as Duncan Lewis, are able to assist with help and advice concerning EEA residence permits applications. Specialising in UK immigration, they provide a friendly personal service and immigration advice to help smooth the process.

Although it is compulsory to apply for the Worker Registration Scheme in the UK, there are a number of distinct benefits associated with it. Once a candidate has been living and working legally in the UK, uninterruptedly, for 12 months they will be ideally placed to apply for an EEA residence permit, which will fully sanction their right to live and work here. Indefinite leave to remain in the UK will be the next logical application to make, also called permanent residence and full British nationalisation may then follow.

If an immigrant obtains work, but does not register on the Worker Registration Scheme within the first month, it could result in them being unable to work legally in the UK in the future. The accruement of the 12 months of continuous employment begins as soon as registration takes place.

The Worker’s Registration Certificate is only issued for a period of 12 months and constitutes legal proof that, as long as the applicant is employed, he or she may continue living and working here. WRCs operate in the same way that applications for work permits in the UK are dependent upon a specific offer of a job. The WCR will have to be renewed should the applicant change their job within the 12-month period.

One of the key points of the Worker’s Registration Certificate is that it proves that applicants will not have recourse to public funds in order to support themselves whilst in the UK.