There are two main types - Tier 1 and Tier 2

Tier 1
Tier one applications are often more straight forward than Tier 2 applications in that there is an exemption from conducting a recruitment search of the labour market, and unless the company has not applied for a work permit in the last 5 years, little additional supporting documentation is required.

Intra-company transfers (ICT)
This category is for overseas companies that wish to transfer employees to a skilled role in the established UK branch of the company.

The post in the UK must require an established employee who has company knowledge and experience that is specifically required in order to carry out the duties and functions of the post on offer and which could not be provided by a resident worker. They should have been working for the company for at least the last 6 months before the application is made.

To qualify in this category, the UK based company must have a direct link with the overseas company by common ownership. If an individual owns shares in two or more companies this will not in itself form the basis for Work Permits (UK) to consider an application under the ICT category.

Board Level posts
This category is for senior board posts or posts at an equivalent level. The person must have a personal daily input into directing the company at a strategic level, and should have substantial senior board level experience.

If it is not clear that the post qualifies under this category a chart showing the individual's position and level within the company should be provided.

Inward Investment
This category is for new posts that are essential to an inward investment project which is bringing jobs and money to the UK. It is for investment in the UK by overseas companies, not individuals. The smallest investment normally needed to qualify under this category is £250,000.

Shortage occupations
Work Permits (UK) acknowledge that suitably qualified / skilled people are in very short supply in the UK. The occupations that are included in this category change over time to reflect labour market trends but as of September 2004 include occupations within the engineering and healthcare sectors plus Teachers (compulsory teaching), Actuaries, Veterinary Surgeons and CAA Licensed Aircraft Engineers. Full details of those occupations can be seen on the Work Permits (UK) website.

Tier 2
Tier 2 comprises of all other applications which do not fall into once of the categories above, including those where the overseas national is already in the UK. These applications must be fully documented and include evidence of experience and / or qualifications and evidence that the post has been advertised. If the post has not been advertised, then very good reasons must be provided to why Work Permits (UK) should waive this requirement. Normally, this should come from an independent source. A work permit will only be issued if Work Permits (UK) is satisfied that the overseas employee is the only suitable candidate.

Advertising the post
The job should be advertised in the most appropriate medium for reaching suitably qualified or experienced resident workers. This may be a professional journal which can be bought from a retailer or the relevant employment section of a national broadsheet newspaper. Internet advertising can be used if it can be proved that it is the best medium for reaching the maximum number of target candidates.

The publications or other media should be readily available throughout the EEA. To make sure that the results of the advertising reflect the current availability of the skills that are needed, the advertising should be placed no more than six months before the work permit is applied for. Four weeks must pass from the date the advertisement appears in the publication before a work permit application is submitted to allow the public to respond.