UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

Unveiled: New UK immigration points-based system

Monday, 11 February 2008

The UK's new points-based immigration system is finally seeing the light of day, as the UK Government has just published its details. The big day will be on the 29th of February when it will come into effect.

The new points-based system (PBS) will be rolled out to Indian nationals in April, and it's expected that a worldwide launch will follow it shortly after. The new system will be phased in over the course of 2008 and 2009.

Loosely based on the scheme used in the Australian immigration system, the PBS aims to provide a more streamlined and transparent process for immigration candidates. The reason the UK has used Australia's immigration PBS as a role model, is because the country is keen to attract highly skilled individuals whose key strengths lie in knowledge-based sectors, such as business, finance and technology.

This also means that employers will now have a greater say in the kind of migrants that enter the UK, who respond to requirements in their particular sectors. Employers will be provided with increased control and responsibilities, allowing them to issue certificates of sponsorship, thus taking ownership of migration.

Before applying for entry clearance, all non-EEA migrant workers, with the exception of Highly Skilled Migrants, will have to get sponsorship from a UK employer.

Once the highly skilled foreign worker gets sponsorship, he'd have to proceed to the second step, which is to score the requisite number of points in his chosen immigration tier. Points will be awarded in various categories, which include qualifications and previous earnings.

If you are interested in living and working in the UK, find out if you qualify by completing our free online visa eligibility assessment. With its instant results, you'll be a step closer to planning your future.