Introduction To Immigration Tiers
The following information is about the UK's new points based system, which has not been fully implemented yet. It is possible that information may change shortly.
During 2008/2009 the United Kingdom started overhauling its immigration law and implementing a points based system for non-European Union migrants wishing to come to the UK to work, study, and train.
The new immigration system is broken into five tiers that replace the old 80 or so routes that existed. Each tier has different conditions, entitlements, and entry requirements for migrants wishing to work in the UK.
Tier 1 was implemented in early 2008. Tier 1 is meant for highly skilled migrants, post-graduates, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Below is the current outline that the government has provided about the new points based tiered immigration system. However, this information is subject to change.
Five Tiers
The five tiers are outlined below.
Tier 1: For highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students. This replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), the Entrepreneur and Investor schemes, and the International Graduates Scheme.
Tier 2: This is for skilled workers who have a job offer. This tier encompasses the UK Work Permit rules.
Tier 3: For a limited number of lower skilled workers to fill temporary shortages in the labour market.
Tier 4: Students.
Tier 5: For youth mobility and temporary workers, such as those who come under Working Holiday agreements with certain other countries.
Tiers 3 and 5 are temporary migration schemes and migrants who fall under these tiers will not be able to switch to a different tier from within the UK. The UK has also suspended Tier 3 in favour of migrants from the EU; however, this may change depending on labour market demands.
Tiers 1, 2, and 4 will be eligible to switch to another tier once they are in the UK if they can meet the requirements of that tier. Tiers 1 and 2 can potentially lead to settlement if the permanent residence requirements are met at the time of application.
Points Structure
Each tier requires the applicant to score a sufficient number of points to gain entry clearance or extend his or her leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Points will be awarded for various criteria specific to each tier. In all tiers, points will be awarded for criteria which indicate that the individual is likely to comply with immigration requirements.
In Tiers 1 and 2, points are awarded for criteria such as age, previous salary or prospective salary, and qualifications; a system similar to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
Sponsorship
All migrants applying under Tiers 2-5 are required to have sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (an employer or educational institution). The certificate of sponsorship assures that the migrant is able to perform the particular job or course of study.
Highly skilled Tier 1 migrants do not require a job offer and therefore do not require sponsorship.
Dependents
Dependents are allowed to come to the UK with the main applicant. However, they will not be allowed to work if they accompany a student under Tier 4 or a temporary worker under Tier 5 if in both cases the individual has been given less than 12 months leave to remain in the UK.
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