There are a number of different visas available to Overseas Social workers arriving in England. The options are detailed below but can change from time to time so it is worth checking with the British High Commission before applying.

Ancestry Visa

This a 4 year visa available to all those who have a British or Irish Grandparent. There are no restrictions on it regarding work while you are in the UK. If you have grandparents from another EU country this is sometimes acceptable but you would need to verify this with the British High Commission.

Working Holiday Visa 

This is available to all residents of commonwealth countries under the age of 30 - This is predominately a travelling visa and is not designed for career enhancement. It is an ideal choice if you are looking to mix work & travel as it lasts 2 years.

UK or EU passport Holder

No restrictions on living or working in the UK. 

Right of Abode 

This gives you the opportunity to live and work in the UK for an unlimited period of time. Their eligibility criteria for this is either parent or a spouse being a UK Passport holder or eligible for a UK passport.

Work Permits

If you are not eligible for any of the above criteria then you would require a work permit. This has to be for a minimum of 1 year and this is issued for a period of upto a period of 5 years and would be have to be sponsered by a Local Athourity. The main restriction on this is that you have to remain with the sponsoring authority for this period of time unless you can get another local authority to take over the sponsorship of your visa.