The Worker Registration Scheme was introduced in 2004 when new countries joined the European Union. It allows us to monitor where citizens of those countries (except Malta and Cyprus) are coming into our labour market, the type of work they are doing, and the impact this has on our economy.

You will normally have to register under the Worker Registration Scheme if you wish to work for an employer in the United Kingdom for more than one month and are a citizen of:

• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Slovenia

Once you have been working in the United Kingdom legally for 12 months without a break in employment, you will no longer have to register on the Worker Registration Scheme. You can then obtain a residence permit confirming your right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

Completing application form WRS

This page gives general guidance on completing application form WRS for registering under the Worker Registration Scheme, and the documents you need to send us with your form. You can find more detailed guidance at the end of the application form.

You must complete the application form fully. It may delay your application if you do not provide all the required information and documents. If this is your first application, you must complete all sections of the form. If you already have a registration card and certificate, you should complete sections A, B, 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

If you do not have a registration card and certificate, please send:

• two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself, with your name written on the back of each photograph;
• your current passport or national identity card (this must be the original, not a copy);
• a copy of a letter from your current United Kingdom employer that confirms the date on which you started working for him/her (letters that offer you a job or contracts of employment are not acceptable).

The photographs should:

• measure 45mm by 35mm;
• be in colour;
• be taken against a white background;
• be clear and of good quality;
• not be framed or backed; and
• show your full face, without sunglasses, hat or head covering unless you wear this for religious reasons.

We will return your documents by recorded delivery to the address you give on your application form. Please let Home Office know immediately if your address changes while your application is being processed.

Sending the form

Your employer should take a copy of the application form before you send it. Ensure you have enclosed the fee and supporting documents, and post it by recorded delivery or special delivery to:

Work Permits WRS
PO Box 492
Durham
DH99 1WU
You cannot make this type of application in person at our public enquiry offices.
You can also send your application by courier (deliveries accepted 0830-1700, Monday to Friday) to:

UK Border Agency
Work Permits WRS
Millburngate House
Durham DH99 1SA

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