05. What if I want to work in the UK?

If you want to work in the UK, you will also usually need a work permit. If a company here wants to employ you, it is up to them to apply for the work permit, not you.

In most cases, your husband or wife and any children under 18 who are dependent on you can come with you. However this applies only if you can support them without 'recourse to public funds' (claiming benefits). There are also some restrictions on your family joining you if you are coming here on a temporary work scheme, including:

• as a working holidaymaker;  
• for seasonal agricultural work (for example, fruit picking); or
• from the 'sector-based schemes' which allow people to work in certain industries.

 The immigration rules also say whether you will be allowed to change from one category of entry to another (called 'switching') after coming to the UK. For example:

• If you are from a 'visa national' country, you cannot stay on as a student after you have entered the country as a visitor.  
• If you want to be employed here or to start or join a business, you must generally apply from abroad unless you are a student on a degree course or a working holidaymaker.
• If you entered the country as a visitor and then marry someone who lives in the UK permanently, you will normally have to apply from abroad to work or settle here.

These rules don't mean the Home Office won't look at your application if you ask for permission to change. But if they then refuse your application, you won't be able to appeal against the decision.