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.