Work permit for ospap graduates

[chifriendly]

Hi I am a Nigerian and will start my OSPAP programme in September at Aston. I just wanted to know about the pre-registration programme especially in the area of work permit.

I guess my main concern is with the community pharmacies as I have quite some experience there and wouldn't mind continuing in that line. I would like to hear from past OSPAP graduates and any others who have a friend or have had an experience with an OSPAP graduate.

I have 2 questions and they are:

1. Do the hospitals(NHS i guess?) apply for work permit on behalf of OSPAP graduates and if they do, how long is the permit?

2. Can someone tell me about Boots, Lloyds, Sainsburys, Tescos or Co-op's pre-registration programmes. If they apply for work permit and how long is it?

I would appreciate it highly if i could get as accurate as possible answers to these questions 'cos i have decisions to make soon, thank you.

I assure you I have looked round on the forum and I havn't seen these questions let alone answers to them so please be patient with me. Thanks again.

[johnep]

Not looked deep enough then, see Raoul's posts.
johnep

[Rafael]

Something is missing here? i would be able to help once you clarify some things for me.
I read this confusing post of you, why to ask about work permit if you are already self employed, thus working here and have a better idea of the situation than any of us. Do not get me wrong, but i want to make sure that nothing bogus before i provide any info from my experience, or share my opinion with you here.

Cheers


12th, January 2009, 10:48 PM
chifriendly
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 3


tax return and reimbursements
hi everyone and happy new year. i am about to file in my first tax return as i am self-employed. i just wanted to know what one can claim back as expenses on reimbursements eg. travel expenses as i dont have a car yet, b&b, subsistence, and any other stuff i can claim for can be suggested also thanks.

also for the subsistence, if claimable, since i dont really have receipts for meals is there a reasonable amount i could charge per day while away that would be reasonable so as not to encourage any enquiry from hmrc. thanks!

[johnep]

Raoul, you are an excellent detective. I had not noticed.
johnep

[Rafael]

Not really John, just being a bit suspicious these days.
Chifriendly vanished

[chifriendly]

Thanks Raoul but i am still here.

There is definitely nothing bogus happening here. Like i said i am a pharmacist from nigeria but have been in the UK since 2006. I initially did a masters in public health and transferred onto a post study visa after graduating.

I have been working as a locum technician hence my self-employment status. I have decided to do the conversion programme hence OSPAP.

My post study visa expires in february 2010, but for the course i have been told i require a students visa as i cannot start the course on a post study visa and extend it in february, especially because it is full time.

After the post study visa expires and blah blah blah my immigration status has to change, hence my questions on this post.

I hope i have been able to explain myself. i understand your suspicions but let me assure you once again there is no cause for alarm. I await your reply, thanks

Also like johnep said big ups on your CSI skills

[johnep]

Thanks for the explanation. Unfortunately, Nigeria has a reputation for people needing someone in the UK to give details of their bank account to facilitate money transfer.

In the 50s I did consider teaching at Ibadan, but unfortunately there was a local disagreement with Biafra and I decided to pass on that option.

good luck with your quest.
johnep

[Rafael]

Hello back Chifriendly and welcome to the forum. thanks for your understanding why i asked for extra info ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/8046341.stm )
back to your Qs:

Hi I am a Nigerian and will start my OSPAP programme in September at Aston. I just wanted to know about the pre-registration programme especially in the area of work permit.

To make it simple, you will be finishing your OSPAP in summer of 2010, which means you have to start applying for OSPAP by November (your uni or other OSPAP students can direct you when exactly to start the application process). employers (main multiples/supermarkets) will not discriminate against you for the reason that you require a work permits so no need to worry.

I guess my main concern is with the community pharmacies as I have quite some experience there and wouldn't mind continuing in that line. I would like to hear from past OSPAP graduates and any others who have a friend or have had an experience with an OSPAP graduate.

PM Paul, an OSPAP grad. Look for him under the member list and I am sure he will get back to you.

1. Do the hospitals(NHS i guess?) apply for work permit on behalf of OSPAP graduates and if they do, how long is the permit?

From what I heard, from international friends of mine, hospitals are generally reluctant to help you in obtaining your work permit. The big multiples provide more help. Also, hospitals have no grasp of understanding which tier to apply under, when or any changes in immigration rules. If you decide to do your pre-reg in a hospital, then make sure you keep an eye on the home office website to stay up-to-date with any new requirements or papers, for your application process.

2. Can someone tell me about Boots, Lloyds, Sainsburys, Tescos or Co-op's pre-registration programmes. If they apply for work permit and how long is it?

The pre-reg training package supplied by all the above is excellent. They all provide support, training days. Make sure to visit the pharmacy, introduce yourself to the pharmacist and staff members, and see how you get along or what is your 1st impression. If your supervising pharmacist is good, then your pre-reg year should run smooth.He/She is the one to sign you off as 'competent' to sit the exam.


re work permit. Yes, they all have H&R department, they will keep in touch with you re papers needed and provide their help. You should be more worried about the home office changes that you can no longer keep track of! Today one rule, tomorrow is another one, so nothing guaranteed.

I would appreciate it highly if i could get as accurate as possible answers to these questions 'cos i have decisions to make soon, thank you.

Yes consider all your options; the money you have to pay for your OSPAP, the loss of income during your OSPAP year, the risk you are taking....etc


For your OSPAP, you need to apply under Tier 4 (known as student visa). there are new requirements for students so google home office and have a look at Tier 4 application form to prepare all the papers needed. Drop an e-mail to the international office at your uni, they should direct you on how to apply. Some uni collect all your papers and apply on your behalf (only if you are present in the UK).
P.s I am not an OSPAP, nor an expert re immigration rules, but I have some knowledge re work permit as I am currently in the process of applying for my work permit (known as Tier 2).


For more info, have a look as this thread Come! Join me for OSPAP!
i believe everything you need, the people to get in touch with, things to help you in your decision making process are found there.

Good luck

Raoul xx

[chifriendly]

Thanks Raoul for the step by step explanation. I will follow up on the leads you have given me.

I already have a place in Aston, Birmingham for the OSPAP course and will be applying for my Tier 4(student visa) soon.

The only grey area here for me is this - are you saying I can actually speak to the HR dept. of any of the multiples and they would elaborate on their pre-reg packages even before I have been offered a place.

@ johnep, i understand what you are saying about the fraudsters from Nigeria but like the popular saying goes, 'DO NOT JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER'. If people did that literally, I believe the world would have no more inhabitants. Can't change my nationality.

thanks again and i will try and find paul,

[johnep]

I think you are the first overseas person who has not thought we are being highly insulting when we ask a few questions. Very refreshing and welcome.

Many Nigerian origin pharmacists in UK, may well be a Nigerian Pharmacist association. Have a search.
johnep