FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Inbound -

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Outbound -

How do I apply?

Contact us for the details of the partner/representative in your home country who will assist you with completing the application form

Is there a partner/representative in my home country?

Please contact us for details.

Can I get a qualification?

In some circumstances you can gain a qualification.  Details will be given to you

Who can apply?

We welcome applicants from all countries however, due to immigration regulations non EU citizens may require work permits and will therefore be required to meet work permit and entry visa criteria.

How much does it cost?

There are set program fees for each country, depending on your immigration status, however final cost will depend upon VARIABLES such as travel and these will be discussed with you before you have to pay.

When do I have to pay?

All fees must be paid on acceptance of a placeent.

What type of insurance should I have?

We recommend you take out  comprehensive Health and Accident that includes repatriation to your home country

What is the longest I can stay?

This will depend on your entry clearance and immigration status

Can I have a holiday?

You are entitled to holiday in line with industry agreements, as a rough guide approximately 28 days. Some of the holiday may be pre-set eg Christmas.

Can I go home for a holiday?

Yes but you must ensure that you are back on the agreed date with you employer

What if I already have a job?

Depending on your nationality, we can advise and assist with relevant immigration matters

Do I need to complete an application form?

Yes a fully completed and signed application form will be required in all cases

Do I need a visa/work permit?

Certain nationalities, known as visa nationals, need to obtain a work permit and/or visa before travelling to the UK. Even if you are not a visa national, you may need an entry clearance, depending on the reason for coming to the UK, once we have received your completed  application we will be able to advise

Who requires a Work Permit?

Anyone who wishes to work in the UK and who is not a national of the European Economic Area (EEA)

Can I arrive before my visa starts?

No, immigration could refuse entry

Do I need a return flight?

It is not a requirement but we do advise you to have a return/onward flight booked

Will someone collect me from the airport?

Arrival information will be finalised once we have your travel details.

Does a work permit for one employer allow me to transfer and work for another employer?

No, work permits are not transferable. They are issued for an individual to do a specific job with a specific employer. If you require a transfer to a new employer, this will depend on your immigration status and approval from the Home Office. Home Office fees are expensive to complete a transfer and approval cannot be guaranteed.

How do I open a bank account?

This can be a lengthy procedure, and further information will be obtained in your handbook which will be provided on arrival to the UK.

How do I get a national insurance number and tax code?

Whilst you are working,  NI and income tax will be deducted from your salary.  Details of obtaining NI Number and Tax Code are provided in your handbook, and your employer will assist.

Can I drive in UK?

Provided your hold a full licence you will be able to drive in the UK. If you are a non EEA national additional conditions apply eg. You may only drive for up to 12 months at which time you will need to pass a UK Driving Test. 

What should I bring/take with me?

You should bring clothing suitable for the type of work you are undertaking.  This should be discussed with your employer prior to starting your job

Do I have support before and after I have arrived?

You will have support from your home country partner before you arrive and support from IEPUK Ltd once you have arrived

When can I apply?

We accept applications throughout the year.

Do I need experience/qualifications to apply?

Depending on your nationality and placement type  you require you will normally require   relevant academic/vocational experience to N/SVQ level 3 or above

Do I need to speak English? 

Yes Conversational English. This is a Health & Safety requirement – plus an ECO at the embassy will expect the applicant to have  a level of English where the applicant will be able to understand and benefit from the training being delivered

Can I bring my legal spouse and family?

This will depend on your immigration status.  If your immigration status permits accompanying spouse/family, then whether they may come and live with you will depend upon accommodation and employers approval.

How long does an application process take?

As a general guide, if your require work permit/entry visa, 4 – 6 weeks from receipt of confirmed placement, but this  maybe longer during peak times, if an EEA National it could be as short as just a few days.  Please be aware that placement may take several months and registration is not a guarantee of placement.

Can I get a qualification?

In some circumstances you can gain a qualification.  This will depend on your destination country and your immigration status.

How much does it cost and are my flight and insurance included?

Final fee will depend on your destination country.  You will need to budget for items such as program fees, flights, insurance, embassy costs, this is not an exhaustive list.

Do I need to send you all the paperwork you ask for?

Yes – you MUST include all information as requested.

What type of insurance should I have?

A comprehensive Health and Accident Insurance which includes repatriation to your country of residence. Any insurance policy you do take out MUST meet all of the immigration requirements for the country you are travelling to, please contact us for details

What is the longest I can stay?

This will normally depend upon your destination country, but usually 12 months although an extension is possible for some countries.

Can I have a holiday?

Yes but this is by mutual agreement with your host employer

Can I go home for a holiday? 

Yes but you must notify your co-ordinator who will advise you of the procedure as some countries immigration procedures do require additional exit/entry documentation.

What is a Work Permit/visa?

Who needs a Work permit/visa?

Most individuals travelling overseas to take up work experience/training  or employment

Can I arrive before my visa starts?

No as your visa will be linked to the immigration department computers

What if I already have a job?

We can still process your application to obtain the necessary work papers for you

Do I need a return flight?

Yes you do need a return or onward ticket for most destinations outside the EU

Will someone collect me from the airport?

Arrival details will be organised once we have your travel itinerary.

How do I open a bank account?

This information will be contained in your orientation handbook and your co-ordinator and employer in your destination country will assist

How do I get a national insurance number and tax code?

This information will be contained in your orientation handbook and your co-ordinator and employer in your destination country will assist

Can I drive overseas?

It is permissible to drive in the EU on a full British Licence, although some EEA countries may require you to surrender this for a National licence after a period of time –eg Switzerland It is against the law to drive without a Driver’s Licence.  You will  need to look at www.dmv.org in USA for details of driving in USA and www.rta.nsw.gov.au for the New South Wales area in Australia, www.ltsa.govt.nz in New Zealand  or ask your host employer or co-ordinator

What should I bring/take with me?

This should be discussed once you have accepted a plaement

Do I have support before and after I have arrived?

Yes the partner in your home country will support and advise you up to your departure and once you have arrived with your host employer your co-ordinator will support and advise you.

When can I apply?

Applications are accepted throughout the year, however certain placements are season specific.

Do I need qualifications to apply?

No but you do need to have experience and at least two references showing that you have had 18 – 24 months experience in your chosen field  To comply with immigration, Age limits do apply for some countries

Can I bring my legal spouse and family?

Most placements are for single applicants, if you want to take a legal spouse and family you should tell your country partner who will advise you further

How long does application process take?

Once you have a placement, approx 4-6 weeks should be allowed for countries requiring immigration documentation.  For EEA countries the time is much shorter.

Can I change jobs?