Work in Britain eligibility
To apply, you must be:
- at least 18 years old
- a US citizen with a US passport or a permanent resident
of the USA (permanent residents may need Prior Entry
Clearance. Please call BUNAC for information.)
- a full-time student - you must earn at least eight
credits - at an accredited US or Canadian university
or college during the semester prior to participation.
Summer school and online classes cannot generally
be used for eligibility.
Notes:
- Applicants are required to provide proof of full-time status. Those
studying in the USA should send an official transcript or complete
Section 2 of the application form.
- Quarter system students should send an official transcript.
- Study abroad students should send a letter from your registrar at your
US university, stating that they are on a semester abroad but still
considered full-time. A copy of the student visa should be included.
- Those studying at a US university abroad should send an official
transcript and a copy of the student visa. Those studying at a
Canadian university should send an official transcript or a letter from
the registrar stating you are full-time. Recent graduates need to send
an official transcript
- Please note that BUNAC is not able to send a Blue Card to an
address outside the USA. The Blue Card is not valid in the Isle of Man.
Returners and graduates
Participants can take part on the Work in Britain program for
a second time for up to six months and in another calendar
year. Returning applicants must again meet all eligibility
requirements and must obtain a new Blue Card. Applicants
are not able to use the same semester of eligibility and
participation cannot be six months back to back, ie. participants
must be back in school for at least one semester before they
are eligible to apply for a second Blue Card.
Graduating college/university seniors are eligible following
their final full-time semester, providing they are in Britain by
31st December 2008. Participants entering Britain from 1st
October 2008 must obtain Prior Entry Clearance before
leaving the USA. Many graduates regard the program as a
résumé-enhancing experience before commencing their
‘real’ job search in the USA.
If you finish school in December 2007, you may enter Britain
and activate your Blue Card as late as 30th June 2008. If
you finish school in June 2008, you may enter Britain and
activate your Blue Card up to 31st December 2008 providing
you meet all other entry and eligibility requirements. If you
plan to enter the UK from 1st October onwards, Prior Entry
Clearance must be obtained.
Program costs
The Work in Britain program fee for 2008 is $290.
This covers program and sponsor administration and
materials, Blue Card issuance and BUNAC services
and support in the USA and UK.
The British Government ensures you are paid the same
wage as British people in similar work. The special tax
concession also benefits most participants. You should
be able to cover at least day-to-day living expenses
from your wages and probably make enough to cover
a large portion of your travel. It’s impossible to predict
exactly how much you will earn, but the figures below
should give a general guide to your budget.
Personal funds
The program requires you to bring a minimum of £1000
to Britain, but we strongly urge you to bring more (as
much as £1500 if possible), especially if you plan to live
in London. You don’t need to have it all in cash although
you will need some pounds and traveler’s checks
available on arrival.
Immigration officials may ask you to show that you have
immediate access to funds via bank accounts or
parental help.