New Points-based System to start in the new year

A timetable for the UK’s new Points Based System (PBS) for immigration has been announced by the Immigration minister.

The PBS will be rolled out starting from 2008. Under the points based scheme, people will be able to migrate to the United Kingdom under any one of five tiers. Currently, there are over 80 different immigration paths.

The new system will allow the UK Border Agency to more easily prevent individuals from abusing the immigration rules. Immigration controls will be tighter. The PBS will make it easier for the UK to draw in talented individuals that have something to offer the UK, and prevent those that do not from entering.

The Australian style points based system will allow immigration to work in the UK’s national interest.

With the exception of Tier 1, Highly Skilled Migrants, all applicants will need to be sponsored by either an employer or an educational institution before they can obtain a UK visa. This applys to all work and study routes.

Employers and educational institutions will need to obtain a sponsor licence, before they can sponsor applicants. Under the new system, employers and educational institutions will be responsible to a greater extent in ensuring the individuals they sponsor abide by the immigration rules.

Tier 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

• Tier 1 – Visas for Highly Skilled migrants will start early in 2008. The Tier 1 General Points Calculator will allow you to determine if you qualify.
• Tier 2 - Visas for skilled workers with a firm job offer will start at the end of 2008.
• Tier 3 - Visas for low skilled workers addressing one of the UK’s specific labour shortage areas. No dates have been announced for Tier 3.
• Tier 4 – Visas for Students will start early 2009.
• Tier 5 -Visas for people seeking temporary work and visas for youth mobility. This scheme replaces the popular working holiday visa, and will start early 2009.

PBS changes

The UK will be able to adjust the points requirements in response to changes in the labour market. A tightening in the labour market may be followed by a decrease in the points requirements. Similarly, an increase in unemployment could result in an increase in the points requirement on individuals hoping to migrate to the UK.