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The points-based system

  

The new points-based system for assessing immigration applications for the UK was launched on 29 February 2008. It changes the way individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work, train or study in the UK. It has reduced 80 different routes to employment and education to just five tiers which are being rolled out up to spring 2009.

The five tiers being rolled out are:

  • Tier 1: highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity (live worldwide from 30 June 2008)
  • Tier 2: skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in UK labour force (27 November 2008)
  • Tier 3: low skilled workers needed to fill specific temporary labour shortages (this tier is suspended indefinitely)
  • 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 (27 November 2008).

NHS Employers has published a briefing to support employers with the changes to the immigration system. Information will be added to this website and feature in the workforce bulletin to make sure employers are updated with any 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 certificate of sponsorship, 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.

Pages in this section

Sponsorship licence system
The sponsorship licence system is an employer-led system that requires employers to hold a sponsorship licence and issue certificates of sponsorship (CoS) to foreign nationals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland who they wish to employ. Tier 2 of the points-based system went live on 27 November 2008, so employers need to b

Tier 1
The points based system for assessing immigration applications was launched on Friday 29 February 2008. Tier 1 was the first to be launched and has now replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) application route. Any individual who would have previously applied through the HSMP route will now follow the Tier 1 process when their existing

Tier 2
Tier 2 (general), the skilled worker category opened on 27 November 2008. This tier of the system is employer led which allows UK employers to recruit individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland to fill vacancies that cannot be filled by a British or EEA worker. This tier has replaced the work permit application proces

Tier 5
Tier 5 (youth mobility and temporary workers) of the points-based system went live on 27 November 2008. It allows UK employers to employ individuals from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland for up to 24 months under the temporary worker or youth mobility categories.

ID cards for foreign nationals
On 25 September 2008 the Home Secretary announced the launch of the Identity Card Scheme which will see the first cards issued at the end of November 2008. It is part of a wider range of activity by the Home Office to strengthen the processes in the system for tracking migrant activity with the aim of preventing illegal working in the UK.

FAQs: points-based system
This page addresses the frequently asked questions about the points-based system and sponsorship licence system.

Business and special visitor route
On the 27 November 2008 the UK Border Agency is introducing a new immigration route for business and special visitors. This category will sit alongside the new points-based system and allow individuals to come to the UK for a short period of time to be involved in certain activities.

Which tier, which profession
As a quick guide for employing organisations, this table identifies which tier of the points-based system can be used for which professions in the NHS. All applications are subject to individual migrants attaining the relevant number of points for the tier.

Last reviewed 27 Nov 2008

Contacts
Email RecruitmentandRetention@nhsemployers.org|
 

Publications

The points-based system - how the immigration overhaul affects NHS recruitment This briefing outlines the changes to the immigration system and explains what NHS trusts must do to meet the requirements of the new system. (284 kB PDF)|

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External links

UK Border Agency: the points-based system An overview of the new immigration system|

 
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Copyright © 2007 NHS Employers

A part of the NHS Confederation working on behalf of the NHS

The NHS Confederation (Employers) Company Ltd. Registered in England. Company limited by guarantee: no. 5252407