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07/03/2006
Immigration points system unveiled
Explains immigration expert Smith Stone Walters, “Similar to schemes used in Canada and Australia, the proposed system is designed to make it easier for highly-skilled workers to enter the UK, but more difficult for those with fewer or lower skills. In line with the existing UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, overseas nationals will be expected to win points for factors including qualifications, work experience and language skills.
Underpinning the new system will be a five-tier framework.
| Tier 1: |
Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity. Workers in this category will have the most flexibility in the UK and greatest opportunities to settle permanently. |
| Tier 2: |
Skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in UK labour force. People in this category will be given points on their talents and will be allowed into the UK if they have a job offer in a ‘shortage area’ (eg, teaching and nursing). |
| Tier 3: |
Limited numbers of low skilled workers needed to fill specific temporary labour shortages. |
| Tier 4: |
Students. |
| Tier 5: |
Youth mobility and temporary workers: people allowed to work in the UK for a limited period of time to satisfy primarily non-economic objectives. |
For each Tier, applicants will need sufficient points to obtain entry clearance or leave to remain in the UK. The government plans to award points according set criteria in order to produce a structured and defensible decision-making process. Instrumental to the new system is sponsorship and all applicants in Tiers 2-5 will need to provide a certificate of sponsorship from an approved sponsor when making their application. Employers will need to apply to the Home Office to become approved sponsors, and will be rated according to track record. Employers given a high rating will find it easier to bring their staff to the UK.”
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