Croatian teacher stuck in London

[Jelly123]

I'm a Croatian/Australian here on my Croatian passport. Prior to coming to London to work I spoke with Home Office and was told that as a Croatian national with an Australian teaching degree I could come and work without restrictions. I've come here through a teaching agency who employed and interviewed me in Australia. I was booked and applied for a National Insurance number upon arrival and was rejected on the basis that I was not self employed. My teaching agency then was alerted to the fact that I am not able to work freely and need one of the numerous registration certificates (blue, yellow, purple etc). They are unable to sponsor me so the purple one is off the table. My degree is Australian and not a UK one so the blue one is unavailable to me and the only one left is yellow which is being self employed. I feel like the teaching agency has, through their own lack of knowledge, brought me here and now informed me that I can not work. I'm not really sure what to do, how to react or respond and whether I even have all the right information. Is there anyone here who teaches? Or can offer some advice on what I could do or where I can go for assistance.

[nb11]

Hi Jelly123, I am also a Croatian/Australian, though I came to the UK on an Australian visa... I am also confused as to what my working situation is at the moment as my Oz visa is ending soon, so I have been struggling to find assistance with employment situation. The Home Office has not been helpful at all, not even sure if they have receieved any of my emails and when you try to call you get put through to about 100 different people.

However, I came across an agency called 1st 4Immigration (they are OISC registered, so legitimate I should hope) and I have an appointment with them (£100 fee, though!) tomorrow to discuss my situation. I recommend you give them a go. Sorry I can't tell you until tomorrow if they're any good or not

[vlb]

As a Croatian national you have a right to seek employment but only take it if you have one of three certificates, as you already mentioned. As the UK schools are short of teachers it may be a good idea to approach few local authorities education departments and see if they will sponsor you.
There are some very reputable voluntary immigration advisory agencies where there is no fee involved unless they are processing paperwork for you. Home Office website has their details

[vlb]

Have you tried private schools? They may be faster in dealing with your application