Help for international job applicants
We’re proud to hold an A-rated sponsor licence to assign certificates of sponsorship where a job is deemed suitable under the points-based system.
When you apply via our online system, you will be asked if you are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you are subject to immigration control, a series of additional questions will appear in relation to your eligibility to work within the UK.
More information on certificates of sponsorship, license holders’ responsibilities, and job suitability can be obtained at the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Visas
If you are neither a citizen of the UK nor an Irish national, you may need to apply for a visa before you are legally allowed to commence work in the UK.
If you are unsure whether or not you need a visa, check the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Applying for a visa can take time, so it is important to apply well in advance of when you intend to travel. Find out about visa processing times in your country.
Proof of your right to work
Once you have a visa to enter the UK, a right to work check must be arranged before you start work. This will need to be conducted at least 1 day before your official start date. If this is not conducted before your first day, you will not be able to start work on the date stated in your contract of employment.
On or before your first day, you will need to let us know:
- your current residential address in the UK
- your phone number (landline or mobile).
If you are sponsored by the University under the points-based system, you must update us every time your address or phone number changes.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
You may need to obtain an ATAS certificate from the Counter-Proliferation and Arms Control Centre of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) before you make your visa application.
An ATAS certificate is free of charge.
If you are subject to the ATAS requirement, your contract and offer letter (for new staff) or your contract extension letter (for existing staff) will inform you, and contain details of how to apply for a certificate.
You must obtain an ATAS certificate before you make your visa application, otherwise the visa application will be refused. We recommend you apply for your ATAS certificate as soon as possible to avoid any delays in your start date with us.
The FCDO can take at least 6 weeks to process an ATAS application, and even longer between April and September. Bear this in mind when arranging your start date with your line manager.
- Find out more about ATAS on the UK Government website
- Apply for an ATAS certificate from the FCDO
- Check if you need an ATAS certificate
Extension to stay in the UK
If you are already employed by us and have obtained an extension of stay in the UK, we will need to conduct a repeat right to work check once the extension has been granted.
Other useful information
Finding somewhere to stay when you arrive
You may want to arrange short-term accommodation before your arrival in the UK. This will give you time to look for accommodation for the longer term. You can search accommodation on the Visit Cardiff website.
Relocation
We offer a one-stop shop support system for anyone moving to the UK to take up an appointment at Cardiff University.
We also offer financial assistance to help cover relocation costs.
Brining family to the UK
If your family members are not EEA or Swiss citizens, you may be able to bring them to the UK. However, in most circumstances, there are strict conditions that you and your family will need to meet. You will have to show that your family members do not need to claim welfare benefits.
The UK Government website offers further information for those who are being sponsored by the University through a Skilled Worker visa or a Government Authorised Exchange (Temporary Work) visa.
UK immigration law is complex. Getting it wrong has serious consequences. While we will always seek to support you, you should always consult a specialist adviser. To find out more, see the Citizens Advice Bureau’s help with immigration problems.
Opening a bank account
The UK has a number of banking institutions whose requirements will differ. You will usually need to provide evidence of your identity and current proof of your UK address. If you are opening the account in person, banks will usually accept your passport as proof of your identity.
Proving your address in the UK may be more difficult. The following documents may be acceptable:
- a tenancy agreement
- a letter from the University confirming that you are employed at Cardiff University, and confirming your UK address (the HR Service Centre can supply this for you on request)
The bank may also want to see proof of your previous or permanent address in the country that you come from. Your national identity card or driving licence may be acceptable for this purpose.
The bank may ask for your written permission to get a reference about you from a bank or financial institution if you have an account in the country that you come from.
As banks’ requirements vary, the documents that can be accepted may differ from bank to bank. You should contact the bank in the first instance to check and take with you as much information as you have available. Please note that they normally only accept original documents, not copies.
Salary payments
Your salary will be paid directly into your bank account on the last banking day of the month. To ensure this happens, it is important that you provide us with your bank account details as soon as possible.
In August 2013, the government introduced new rules which mean that all employees must be auto-enrolled in a workplace pension scheme.
Paying National Insurance and tax
National Insurance
In the UK, National Insurance (NI) is a compulsory deduction from your pay that funds pensions and benefits.
As an employee, you will need to have a National Insurance number so that the UK tax authority can record your income tax payments and National Insurance contributions.
You should apply for a National Insurance number as soon as you arrive in the UK.
Once you know your NI number, you should inform the Salaries section so that they can update your records.
Income tax
Income tax is a tax paid by UK workers. It is known as Pay As You Earn (PAYE), and is applied as a percentage of your taxable income. Different rates apply to different levels of taxable income. The higher your income, the higher the percentage of tax.
The amount you pay will be shown on your payslip. Your payslip will include a tax code, which relates directly to the amount of tax you pay. Tax codes are decided by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). For further information about your tax code and NI deductions, you should contact the Salaries section.
You can also find more information on National Insurance, tax, and HMRC on the UK Government website.
State schools
UK state schools are run by local education authorities, and are free up to the age of 16.
If your child is under 16, and will be with you in Cardiff as your dependant for more than 6 months, they should be able to go to a state school free of charge.
The state system in Cardiff is divided into 3 types of school:
- pre-school or nursery school (3-5 years of age)
- primary school (5-11 years of age)
- secondary school (11-16 years of age)
Finding a school
Visit the Cardiff City Council website for a list of the state schools in and around the Cardiff area, as well as further information on state education.
Children for whom English is a second language
If you think your child will need support with their English Language, then this is available through Cardiff Council’s Ethnic Minority Achievement Service. Children are supported in their own school. Your child’s school teacher should be able to access this additional English language support for your child.
Further information
For further information on schooling in the UK you can look at the British Council’s Education Information note on choosing a state-funded school.
Childcare for pre-school children
University facilities
TheUniversity’s Little Scholars Nursery provides childcare for children aged 10 weeks to 5 years.
Family Information Service
Cardiff Council’s Family Information Service is designed to make it easy for parents to find all of the information they need about a broad range of services for children including a searchable childcare database. The Family Information Service Team provide additional information, advice, guidance and support if you cannot find what you are looking for on their website or you need more detailed information.
Private nurseries
Visit the Childcare website for a list of private nurseries in the Cardiff area.
Childminders
Childminders work from home, providing childcare to children of various ages. Childminders must be registered and inspected regularly. You can find more information about childminders on the Cardiff Council website.
Bringing a pet to the UK
The Government has information about bringing a pet into the UK.
International Staff Network
The International Staff Network provides support and pragmatic advice to new arrivals through:
- a dedicated email inbox
- an International Staff Network Handbook
- International Staff Mentorship scheme
- occasional social events
Team members
The team members are
- Dr Raya Ahmed (Medicine)
- Dr Monika Hennemann (Modern Languages)
- Dr Stephen Man (Medicine)
- Karolina Rucinska (Engineering)
- Vicky Ucele (Modern Language)
- Dr Carlos E. Ugalde-Loo (Engineering)
Contact
When your arrive you can interact with the team through the International Staff Network Yammer group or by email: