The points-based system
This section explains what the points-based system for immigration is, how it works, the five tiers, the points-based assessment, sponsorship duties and the timetable for launch.
On Friday 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution will be able to come to the United Kingdom to work and study.
The points-based system enables us to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.
The key elements of the system are:
- it combines more than 80 pre-existing work and study routes in to the United Kingdom into five tiers;
- points are awarded on workers' skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills any given sector, to allow the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market;
- it is a fair, transparent and objective system that will enable potential migrants to assess their likelihood of making a successful application and should help to reduce the number of failed applications.
The system is being introduced in phases.
Migration Advisory Committee
The Migration Advisory Committee advises Government on where migration might sensibly fill skills gaps in the economy. It provides advice on what should be the shortage occupations, which enable employers to bring in migrants more easily under Tier 2.
Migration Impacts Forum
The purpose of the Migration Impacts Forum is to provide a forum for proper, regular and organised dialogue with interested parties outside Government, focussed on the wider impacts associated with migration experienced by local areas. It looks at information from forum members about the social benefits of migration and any transitional impacts and/or adjustment requirements which derive from migration.
Terms explained
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Points-based assessment
The method for deciding whether you qualify to come to work, train or study in the United Kingdom under our points-based system. To qualify, you must earn a certain number of points in various categories.
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Sponsorship duties
The responsibilities organisations have when they sponsor migrants under the points-based system. The duties are record keeping, reporting, compliance, co-operating with us and tier specific duties.
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Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker
A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to people who are looking for highly skilled employment in the United Kingdom, or are self-employed or setting up a business.
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Tier 2 (General) - skilled worker
A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to skilled people with a job offer who are looking for employment in the United Kingdom, or are self-employed or setting up a business.
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Tier 2 - intra-company transfers
A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to sponsors who are transferring employees within an organisation to a skilled job under Tier 2.