| 20th August 08
Britain overhauls its visa & immigration rules
Millennium Consultants
British Visas and Immigration has always been a very complex procedure. UK Border Agency has now launched the points-based system, which is the biggest shake-up of the British immigration system for 45 years. The system will replace over 80 existing routes to work and study in the United Kingdom with five tiers. The system allows British businesses to recruit the skills they need from abroad while providing assurances to the British public that only those migrants needed by the British Society will be able to come to the United Kingdom.
Who does the system apply to?
The points-based system only covers migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. If UK Businesses want to employ or teach an EEA or Swiss national, they would be able to do this without needing Home Office permission. There are some restrictions on nationals of countries that have recently joined the EEA.
How the system will work
Under the new system, migrants will need to pass a points-based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. The system will consist of five tiers. Each tier has different points requirements.
The number of points the migrant needs and the way the points are awarded will depend on the tier they are applying under. Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant’s ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working.
The role of the sponsor
Migrants applying under any tier except tier 1 will need to be sponsored in order for their application to be successful. If an employer wishes to recruit a migrant under tiers 2, 4 or tier 5 they will have to apply for a sponsor’s licence.
Under tiers 2 and 5, the sponsor will need to be a UK-based employer. Under tier 4, the sponsor will need to be a UK-based educational institution.
What are the tiers?
The points-based system consists of five tiers. These are:
tier 1 - highly skilled workers, for example scientists and entrepreneurs;
tier 2 - skilled workers with a job offer, for example teachers and engineers;
tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages, for example construction workers for a particular project;
tier 4 - students;
tier 5 - youth mobility and temporary workers for example musicians coming to play in a concert.
When will the system be introduced?
The points-based system is being introduced in stages as outlined below.
For workers
Tier 1 is now fully open.
Tiers 2 and 5 will open at the end of November 2008. Employers who want to be able to bring in migrant workers when tiers 2 and 5 open at the end of November 2008 should apply for a sponsor’s licence as soon as possible. Businesses are advised to apply for a sponsor’s licence no later than 1 October 2008.
Tier 3 is currently suspended.
For students
More details about the opening date for applications under tier 4 will be announced in October 2008. All educational institutions that currently teach migrants will need to apply under the tier 4 when it opens. This includes any students already here who need to extend their stay.
These radical changes in the British Visa and Immigration System have made it even more difficult for candidates wishing to come to UK. We are willing to offer prompt and honest advice tailored to your individual circumstances. We offer both businesses and individuals effective and client-focused advice in all business and individual immigration matters. For further details, please visit http://www.ukvisastoday.com/ or e-mail ray@millenniumconsultants.co.uk
Contact Info: Ray Khan
Millennium Consultants
Harrow
Middex HA3 7SL
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