Work Eligibility documents
List of documents that can be provided to prove eligibility to work in the UK
As a new/prospective employee/worker you will fall into one of two categories:
- List A - an automatic and ongoing right to work in the UK without restrictions.
- List B - you do not have an automatic right to work in the UK but have gained permission to do so subject to restrictions, i.e. for a time limited period.
LIST 'A' DOCUMENTS
You have an ongoing right to work in the UK and are therefore not subject to immigration control (e.g. European Economic Area (EEA)/Swiss nationals). If you are in this category the University needs to check your documents once only, before you commence employment.
Documents which provide evidence for this category:
All documents must be originals
One of the following:
- A passport showing the holder is a British, or UK and Colonies citizen, having the right of abode in the UK
- A passport containing a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode in the UK
- A passport, national ID card, UK residence permit or other document certifying the holder as a EEA or Swiss national
- A permanent UK residence permit issued by the HO or BIA showing the holder is a family member of a EEA or Swiss national
- A Biometric Immigration Document certifying the holder has indefinite leave or no limit to their stay in the UK
- A passport or other travel document showing exemption from immigration control, indefinite leave to remain, right of abode in the UK or indicating no time limit on their stay in the UK
Or, two documents, as follows:
One of these:
- An official document containing the permanent National Insurance number and name of the individual (e.g. P45, P60, NI Card). Please note that a permanent National Insurance number does not start with TN.
Plus one of these:
- An Immigration Status Document showing indefinite leave to stay
- A full* UK birth certificate, at least one parent's name
- A full* UK adoption certificate, at least one adoptive parent's name
- Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland birth certificate
- Channel Islands, Isle of Man or Ireland adoption certificate
- Certificate of registration or naturalisation as British citizen
- Letter from HO or UKBA certifying indefinite leave to stay
* A short birth or short adoption certificate is not acceptable. To obtain full certificates, see the General Register Office website at http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/order_certificates/obtain_certificates/index.asp
If you have different surnames on documents you must also provide proof of name change, i.e. a marriage certificate.
Notes for EEA (European Economic Area) / Swiss nationals
Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, UK
You can enter and work freely in the UK without restriction. Your immediate family members may also do so while you are legally residing and working in the UK.
Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia
These countries have recently joined the EU and become part of the EEA. You have the same rights as other EEA nationals. However, currently, you must register with the Worker Registration Scheme within one month of commencing your employment with the University. The University will ask for evidence that you have done so.
Bulgaria and Romania
Bulgaria and Romania are now also part of the EEA and you do not require leave to enter or reside in the UK. However, for most types of work you will still need permission to work in the UK, via the normal work permit/certificate of sponsorship arrangements. If this permission is granted, you will need to obtain an Accession Worker Card, and this must be done before you commence work with the University.
LIST 'B' DOCUMENTS
You do not have automatic eligibility to live and work in the UK, but you have, or expect to be granted, approval to take employment in the UK for a limited period (e.g. work permit/certificate of sponsorship holders and their family members). If you are in this category the University needs to check your documents before you commence employment, and then at least every 12 months during the duration of your employment, to ensure that your eligibility remains valid.
Documents which provide evidence for this category:
All documents must be originals
One of the following:
- A passport or travel document endorsed to certify the holder is allowed to stay in the UK to do the kind of work being offered, provided that it does not require a work permit/certificate of sponsorship.
- A Biometric Immigration Document issued by UKBA giving permission to stay in the UK to do the work being offered.
- A residence card or document issued by UKBA to a EEA/Swiss national family member.
Or two documents, as follows:
One of these:
- A work permit/or other approval to take employment, issued by UKBA.
Plus one of these:
- A passport or other document (e.g. UK Residence Permit) certifying permission to stay in the UK to do the work offered.
- A letter from the HO/UKBA confirming the above.
There are additional documents which can provide evidence of your entitlement to take employment in the UK, such as Certificates of Application and Application Registration Cards for EEA/Swiss national family members and asylum seekers. These documents are subject to further checking via the UKBA Employer Checking Service.
If you have different surnames on documents you must also provide proof of name change, i.e. a marriage certificate.
Students
Students may also take limited employment, up to 20 hours per week during term time and full time during vacations, without work permit or other permission. Students' dependants may also take paid employment (full time) without a work permit or other permission, but only for the duration of the student's leave to remain.
More detailed information on the documents listed above can be found at the UK Border Agency Website.