If you have arrived in Wolverhampton under the Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa route and currently need support and assistance, help is avaliable to you.

The City of Wolverhampton Council is working in partnership with The Refugee and Migrant Centre (RMC) and the International Recruitment and Retention Partnership (IRR). You can access advice guidance and signposting to help individuals who are internationally recruited workers, including their families to support you whilst living in Wolverhampton. This page provides clear information about living, working, and accessing support in the city.

At a glance – Help Available

RMC may be able to support with: 

  • Immigration and visa-related advice  (eligibility criteria applies)
  • Housing advice and early support if accommodation / housing is at risk
  • Employment rights and workplace support
  • Access to local services and community support
  • Advice for families and dependants

If you need support, please get in contact as soon as you are able. Early advice is strongly encouraged.

For all enquiries, please email internationalworkersupportwolverhampton@rmcentre.org.uk

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Our City

Wolverhampton is a vibrant, cohesive and diverse city. It is home to people from a wide range of cultural, national, and religious backgrounds, contributing to the city’s workforce, communities, and local economy.

Please select from the links below to access key information and local support services, including information on how to access professional and community-based support.

Key Information and Support Areas

Public Funds and Benefits

It is likely that if you hold a Skilled Worker or Care Worker visa, you will have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) as a condition of the visa.

This usually means you will not be able to claim welfare benefits, apply for council housing or make a homelessness application.

There are certain specific circumstances where you may be able to apply for support, including (but not limited to)

  • Support under the Children Act (where a child’s welfare is at risk) 
  • Support under the Care Act (where there are care or disability needs)
  • Access to key worker housing schemes (eligibility criteria applies)

Always seek advice and guidance before making an application for support by contacting RMC: internationalworkersupportwolverhampton@rmcentre.org.uk

Employment and Employers

If you are on a Skilled Worker or Health and Care Worker visa you must work for your sponsoring employer named on your application. Any changes to your role, employment or employer must be reported to the Home Office. It is important that you do this as soon as possible as failure to comply with visa conditions may put your immigration status at risk.

Employers are responsible for:

  • Maintaining sponsorship compliance
  • Reporting changes in employment.

For full visa and sponsorship terms and conditions please visit UK Visa Sponsorship Employers.

Housing and Risk of Homelessness

Commonly, most internationally recruited workers initially secure housing in the private rented sector. This means that you will have a tenancy agreement with a private landlord and pay rent to live in the house or flat.

It is important to consider how you will pay for your accommodation if you stop working / your employment ends. As you are unlikely to be eligible to access public funding*, you need to consider how you will pay for your accommodation, as you will not be able to apply for council housing or make a homeless application. To avoid your housing situation becoming insecure, you should seek advice and assistance as early as possible.  

RMC can provide housing advice, advocacy and support.

*exceptions apply - the council may have duties in limited circumstances, which can be explored by seeking early support and advice.

Early intervention is critical to preventing crisis. For enquiries, please email internationalworkersupportwolverhampton@rmcentre.org.uk

Education and Study

Anyone who holds a valid Skilled Worker visa is eligible to study. You must continue to work in your sponsored role whilst studying and make sure that your study does not interfere with your sponsored employment. Courses should ideally be completed within your visa period.

Please note: - Skilled Worker visa holders are not usually eligible for UK student loans, therefore you will need to consider how you will pay for the course and affordability. It is recommended that you always discuss study plans with your employer before enrolling.

Immigration and Visa Status

Key points to be aware of:

  • Do not allow your visa to expire - You may be eligible for settlement after 5 continuous years on a Skilled Worker route
  • If you change jobs, a new sponsorship and visa application is usually required
  • You may receive a curtailment (restrictions) notice if your employment ends early and / or your sponsor loses their licence. A curtailment notice will typically  provide an individual with up to 60 days to take action.
  • If you receive a curtailment notice or are unsure about your status, seek advice immediately. RMC may be able to help or signpost.

For enquiries, please email internationalworkersupportwolverhampton@rmcentre.org.uk

Further Information and Signposting

The following information and links may be useful:

Detailed national guidance is available on GOV.UK.

For Professionals

Professionals supporting internationally recruited workers may contact the IRR team for pathway guidance, partnership working, and referrals.

RMC delivers professional workshops which can support employers to understand pathways, roles, and responsibilities when individuals or families present to services.

For professional enquiries or discussion, please email internationalworkersupportwolverhampton@rmcentre.org.uk

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