Points-based immigration system

The new points-based system for assessing immigration applications for the UK was launched on Friday 29 February 2008 and will be phased in throughout 2008 and early 2009. It changes the way individuals from outside the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) can work, train or study in the UK.

Five tiers are being rolled out during 2008/2009:

Tier 1: highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity (fully implemented)

Tier 2: skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in UK labour force (late autumn 2008)

Tier 3: low skilled workers needed to fill specific temporary labour shortages (this tier is currently suspended)

Tier 4: students (spring 2009)

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 such as exchange schemes or agreements (late autumn 2008).

Information for NHS employers will be added to this website and feature in workforce bulletin to make sure employers are updated with the changes.

What does this mean for people with a current visa?

Any individual currently on a Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) visa or work permit will not have to change their status until they wish to extend their stay. When each new tier is launched, the old route will be closed for entry.

What will change?

The new categories will work on a points based system. Tier 1 was the first to be launched and has now replaced the HSMP application route. Any individual who would have previously applied through the HSMP route will now follow the Tier 1 process. There are no changes for employers to implement.

There will be changes to the way an employer currently recruits a skilled or temporary migrant into employment. These processes currently require the employer to apply for a work permit which will be replaced by a sponsorship certificate, issued by a registered body.

Each NHS organisation will need to apply to become a registered body and obtain a licence. You can apply for your licence now via the UK Border Agency website.