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Free employment rights help — Work Rights Centre
Free employment rights advice for migrants and refugees. They can help if your employer is violating your rights.
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⚠️ Important 2026 changes:
- From 26 March 2026 — Permission to Work is limited to vacancies from Appendix Skilled Occupations (RQF 6+) only. This is stricter than before, but now includes doctors, nurses and other medical professionals.
- From 27 March 2026 — illegal working is grounds for suspension or termination of asylum support.
- From 2 March 2026 — refugee status is granted for 30 months (not 5 years as before) with subsequent review. Applies to new applications.
When can you work?
By default, an asylum seeker CANNOT work. But if your case has been under consideration for more than 12 months — you can apply for Permission to Work.
Self-employment is prohibited: an asylum seeker CANNOT be self-employed or start a business. But you can volunteer (volunteering).
Which occupations are allowed?
From 26 March 2026, work is only permitted in occupations listed in Appendix Skilled Occupations at RQF 6+ level (graduate level — bachelor's degree qualification or higher).
Examples of permitted occupations:
- Doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other medical professionals
- Engineers, IT specialists
- Scientists, university lecturers
- Architects, lawyers, accountants
Current list: gov.uk — Appendix Skilled Occupations
How to Apply for Permission to Work
- Download the PTW1 form from gov.uk
- Fill in ALL fields — incomplete forms = refusal
- Send to:
Sample letter:
Subject: Permission to Work Application – [Your Name]
Dear Sir/Madam, My name is [Name], I am seeking permission to work while my asylum claim is under consideration. I have attached my completed PTW1 form. Case Reference: [number]. My claim has been under consideration for over 12 months...
⚠️ From 27 March 2026: illegal working (without Permission to Work or not in an approved occupation) — is grounds for suspension or termination of asylum support. You could lose your accommodation and allowance.
Right to Work Check
An employer checks your right to work at gov.uk/employee-immigration-employment-status — they enter your ARC number and send a request to the Home Office.
You CANNOT create a share code until you receive a positive decision (eVisa)!
Refugee Status — What Has Changed
From 2 March 2026, refugee status is granted for 30 months with subsequent review. Previously it was granted for 5 years. This applies to new applications.
National Insurance Number (NI Number)
A number for working and paying taxes. Everyone who works in the UK needs one. You can apply with an ARC.
02
Interview
You'll be given a date at a Jobs & Benefits office
03
Documents
Bring your ARC, Bail 201 and any documents
04
Receive
NI Number arrives by post in 4–8 weeks
10 Steps to Employment
1
Know your work rights
What you can and cannot do with ARC — read above on this page
2
Learn English
Free ESOL courses for asylum seekers
ESOL →
3
Write a CV in English
Use templates and help from volunteer organisations
4
Do an internship
Volunteering is a great way to gain experience and references
5
Search for jobs online
Main job search websites
6
Networking
Attend events, meet people in your field
7
Job Centre Plus
Government employment support service
gov.uk →
8
Use agencies
Recruitment agencies can help find work in your field
9
Prepare for interviews
Practise answers in English, research the company in advance
10
Don't give up
Job searching takes time — that's normal. Keep trying.