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Welcoming staff from overseas

Travelling to York is straightforward with several international airports within easy reach

Our Welcome Service is here to make relocating to the UK easier for you and your family

Airport

We also have a relocation handbook [pdf] to help introduce you to life in York and the UK

Founded on principles of excellence, equality and opportunity for all, the University of York opened in 1963 with just 230 students. In 2021 it is the home of more than 20,000 students across more than 30 academic departments and research centres.

We are a world-class institution, focused on creating an environment of excellence in which all our students, staff and researchers can thrive. We have been awarded TEF Gold for our research-led teaching and were ranked 14th overall (10th for the impact) out of 154 universities that took part in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy speaks to the core of our values. We hold 23 awards from Athena SWAN, recognising the advancement of gender equality: representation, progression and success for all.

Welcome service

We are committed to supporting new colleagues from all over the world as they relocate and settle in in York. The service is tailored to suit the needs of new colleagues and their families whether they are joining us from overseas or from within the UK. Our welcome team help by:

  • offering support finding short term and long term accommodation
  • offering advice on setting up a UK bank account
  • giving advice on childcare, schools and catchment areas
  • offering general advice about relocation, the University and the city of York.

This list is not exhaustive and the team are happy to help with a wide range of requests. Details on how to access the service will be included in your offer pack.

Getting permission to work

Passport stamp

You may need to obtain permission to work in the UK if you don’t already have the unrestricted right to work in any role.

There are various types of visa which include the right to work, and you can apply independently for some types of visa. You can check if you need a UK visa using the Government’s online tool. We will assist you if your role is eligible for the Global Talent visa, or if you require Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker sponsorship.

Further information and guidance about work permission can be found on the Human Resources webpages.

Some jobs (typically those at the lower grades) will not meet the eligibility criteria for the Global Talent, sponsored Skilled Worker or Temporary Worker routes. If this is the case you must have work permission in another visa category, and you will be required to prove your right to work in the UK before you start work

Please contact hr-compliance@york.ac.uk if you have any questions.