The new points based immigration system
On 1 January 2021, when free movement ended, a new points-based immigration system replaced the one that the UK has managed inward migration with since 2008. It applies to everyone from outside of the UK (excluding the Republic of Ireland) wishing to live and work here.
The end of freedom of movement has implications for those who previously could freely come to the UK from the EU for work and study. EU nationals now require a visa to work and study here and for students previously undertaking short trust placements, alternative arrangements need to be put in place. For information on the government's new Turing scheme, designed to facilitate global work and study, visit our latest news article.
For individuals who arrived in the UK by 31 December 2020 and who meet the requirements of the EU Settlement Scheme, the new system does not apply. EU nationals had until 30 June 2021 to secure their pre or settled status. More information on the settlement scheme can be found on our EU Settlement Scheme webpage, including information on reasonable grounds for making a late application.
The new immigration system aims to attract and prioritise highly skilled migration and improve the experience for applicants and employers. It provides routes for skilled workers, students, global leaders, and innovators.
In February 2022, care workers were added to the Shortage Occupation List and became eligible for a Health and Care Visa for a twelve-month period. During this time care workers, care assistants, and home care workers can apply for a three or five-year Health and Care Visa, but will still have to meet the salary threshold of £20,480 (or £10.10 an hour). The government will review the impact of this at the end of the twelve-month period.
To improve the experience for employers, the system includes a dedicated NHS support and visa processing which will enable HR teams to contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) if there are any issues with the application process or eligibility queries for the new health and care visa. Sponsors can contact UKVI’s NHS team directly at UKVINHSteam@homeoffice.gov.uk.
Employer resources
The Home Office has produced a dedicated suite of employer resources to support you. These include:
- information on the new system and how to become a sponsor
- UK points-based immigration system: Employer partner pack (pdf)
- The UK's points-based immigration system: an introduction for employers
- UK points-based immigration system: sponsorship road map
- guidance employers can share with EEA nationals to help them understand their right to work responsibilities and processes
- frontier worker permit information (pdf)
- overview of the sponsorship process (pdf)
- digital assets and animations to help you communicate to staff.
We understand that the system will continue to be refined with scope for additional flexibility and any changes will be reflected in this page.
