Points-Based System
The UK’s Points-Based System was introduced in February 2008 to replace the issuing of work permits which contained 80 different visa types!
The Points-Based System is broadly made up of 4 categories or so-called ‘tiers’.
The Points-Based System was originally designed with 5 tiers; however, Tier 3 was never implemented becoming inactive.
The active 4 tiers under the Immigration Rules are outlined below:
- Tier 1: high-value (an individual deemed to possess exceptional talent/ be highly skilled/ a high-net-worth investor/a graduate entrepreneur)
- Tier 2: skilled workers (individuals whose jobs generally speaking cannot be fulfilled by a UK or EEA national/ intra-company transfers/ ministers of religion or sportspersons) – This category is capped at 20,700 entries a year unless the immigrant earns more than £150,000
- Tier 4: students (in primary, secondary, or tertiary education)
- Tier 5: temporary migrants
Each tier offers its own allocation of points for specific ‘attributes’. For each of the groups in Tier 1, a person earns points according to different criteria:
- English language ability
- Capacity to support oneself financially
- Age and previous experience
The admission of migrants who possess “exceptional talent”- that is, who are acknowledged to be world leaders in their fields – is capped at 1,000 per year.
You must have a specific job offer in order to apply for entry under Tier 2, and reach a total of 70 points.
By far the easiest means of meeting that target is by having a job on the ‘Shortage Occupation List’, for instance as a Chief Executive Officer of a major company/a Biochemist/ an Engineer or as a Medical Practitioner. Such occupations earn a person 50 points, to be topped up by other factors including age and experience.
West London Immigration Services advisors are experienced in handling Points-Based System applications and can guide you towards a successful visa application.
Call us on 0191 3862 327 for more information, a free initial assessment of your requirements, and for fee details.