Following the exit from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2020, the United Kingdom implemented a new Points-Based Immigration System on January 1, 2021, to build a high-wage, high-skill, high-productivity economy. The points-based system which brought an end to the free-movement system aimed to ensure that the residents of the EU will be treated equally to immigrants from other countries. 

 

Under the new guidelines, EU citizens who begin living in the UK by December 31, 2020, will be allowed to seek residency under the EU Settlement Scheme until June 30, 2021.

Before being allowed to work in the UK, the majority of people must pass a points-based assessment. Except for Irish citizens, this applies to EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who arrived in the UK after 11 p.m. on December 31, 2020, and do not have EU Settlement Scheme status, as well as non-EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who applied for entry clearance or permission to stay on or after December 1, 2020.

How does the UK Points Based System work?

Highly skilled professionals, health and care workers, students, and a variety of other immigration channels are expedited under the Points Based System. Skills, qualifications, incomes, and shortage occupations are used to allocate points. Visas are granted to people who earn enough points in the future.

Each of the visas available under the Points-Based Immigration System has its own set of conditions; the number of points required and how the points are granted vary by visa type. Individuals who do not meet the required skill or income will be denied entry.

For people coming to the UK for Professional reasons:

UK’s Point-based Immigration System applies to various work visas, although the most prevalent is the Skilled Worker visa since the rest of the visas cater to special scenarios. It allows UK based firms to hire people to work in a specific job in an eligible skilled occupation in the country. 

• Skilled Worker visa

For skilled individuals with a job offer from a Home Office approved sponsor, the points-based system contains a suitable path. There is no overall cap on the number of skilled people who can apply using this route. Additionally, employers are not required to complete a resident labour market test.

 

Skilled workers will need to achieve a score of 70. The applicants must be working in RQF3 (Regulated Qualifications Framework Level 3) roles and must be able to communicate in English. The applicant will receive 50 points if they meet these necessary conditions. They must, however, gain 20 “tradable points” based on a mix of wage, a position in a shortage occupation (as determined by the Migration Advisory Committee), and educational qualification (PhD in a subject relevant to the job or PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job).

Health and Care Worker visa

The Health and Care Visa, which also comes under the Skilled Worker visa

benefits foreign medical workers who come to the UK with family members. This includes fast-track entry, reduced visa fees, exemption from the Immigration Health Surcharge, and specialised support. This scheme is open to applicants of all nationalities who fall within the comprehensive list of 18 eligible occupations.

• Global Talent visa

The Global Talent Visa route, which is currently open to both EU and non-EU residents, intends to recruit brilliant and promising individuals from across the world who work in a qualifying profession and wish to work or run a business in their field of expertise in the United Kingdom. Individuals must be acknowledged as recognised leaders (exceptional talent), emerging leaders (great promise), or a funder option authorised by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

•  Innovator visa

The purpose of the innovator immigration routes is to bring promising entrepreneurial talent and inventive, scalable company ideas to the UK from other countries. Individuals who want to start an innovative firm in the UK must have at least £50,000 in funding and considerable industry experience. This route is accessible to EU nationals as well, since January 1, 2020.

For people coming to study in the UK

The Points-Based System of Immigration path for students will necessitate the candidate having a sponsorship licence, the financial means to maintain oneself in the UK, and a strong command of the English language. Students will require 70 non-transferable points. This contains a study requirement (proof of approval for study requirements, course requirement, approved qualification requirement, degree of study requirement, and location of study requirement), financial requirement, and English Language Requirements.

Graduate Route 

The Graduate Immigration Route (GIR) was established by the UK government to allow international students to stay in the country for up to two years after finishing their studies and work at any skill level. However, the time limit cannot be extended. This approach, which will begin in the summer of 2021, will provide international students with more job prospects after graduation. The policy was implemented to increase the number of talented and informed STEM graduates.

We are here to help!

Understanding the point-based immigration system and its eligibility criteria can be overwhelming for some people. If you are considering relocating to the United Kingdom, feel free to contact one of our knowledgeable immigration lawyers at A Y & J Solicitors. Our qualified immigration solicitors will take a genuine interest in not just clearing up your worries, but also advising you on how to start planning ahead of time. 

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