a bit more complex than study abroad

February 29, 2012 10:53 AM

Can I collect a salary from abroad before my work permit is issued?

This seems to me like it ought to be a straightforward question, but I can't seem to find an answer: I am a US citizen. I've been awarded a grant for postdoctoral research in the UK (where I previously lived as a student). Due to severe delays on the part of the funding body, I don't yet have the paperwork to apply for a work visa (though I should have it soon). My grant was supposed to start tomorrow, 1 March. I have a timing restriction that means that no matter when I start this grant, I can't hold it beyond the end of December, so any delay means simply time (and salary) lost on the project. Is it legal for the university to start paying my salary immediately (into my UK bank account) and for me to start work at a distance until my visa is issued? Or am I not allowed to collect a salary from the UK until I have the work visa?

posted by SymphonyNumberNine to Work & Money (1 answer total)

I've been in the reverse situation, paid by a US company for work performed in the UK while waiting for paperwork. Don't see why it wouldn't work the other way. The visa is for entry clearance. Basically the university is paying a foreign national to perform work in a foreign country. There may be tax implications, but nothing to do with the UK Border Agency.
posted by IanMorr at 11:57 AM on February 29, 2012