This page provides the latest news on the new points-based system being implemented by the Home Office and other related changes to the immigration rules.
New business and special visitor route to be launched on 27 November 2008
17 November 2008
The UK Border Agency has introduced new immigration rules for business and special visitors which will come into force when Tiers 2 and 5 of the new points-based system go live on 27 November 2008. The new category clarifies what activities business visitors can do. The following people fall into the business visitor category:
- Doctors taking the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test
- Persons undertaking a clinical attachment or dental observer post (may be granted entry for six weeks at a time, up to a maximum period of six months)
- Academic visitors (may be granted up to a maximum of 12 months).
New shortage occupation list for Tier 2 of points-based system
11 November 2008
The UK Border Agency has published a new shortage occupation list that will become operational when Tier 2 of the points-based system goes live on 27 November 2008. Until this time, employers must use the current national shortage occupation list published in July 2008 to support their recruitment process which can be found on our website.
Launch date announced for Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system
11 November 2008
The UK Border Agency has published the go live date for Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system. From 27 November 2008, employers wishing to recruit or extend the employment of non-EEA migrants will need to be a licensed sponsor. Sponsors will be responsible for issuing certificates of sponsorship to migrants who can then apply for entry clearance to the UK. For further information see our points-based system pages.
New identity card for foreign nationals unveiled
25 September 2008
The Home Secretary unveiled the design of the new UK identity card which will be issued to non-EEA foreign nationals from 25 November 2008. There will be a phased roll out of the card by immigration category and within three years all foreign nationals applying for leave to enter or remain in the UK will be required to have a card. The introduction of the card supports the points-based system by making it easier for employers to check entitlement to work and study, and for the UK Border Agency to verify an individual's identity. Further information can be found on our points-based system pages.
Shortage occupation list recommendations
9 September 2008
The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has produced a list of recommended shortage occupations which will now be considered by the Home Office. This is a recommendation only at this stage; the approved list will be published when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system go live at the end of November 2008. Until this time, employers should use the list published in July 2008, which can be found on our website.
Sponsorship licences for employers - apply by 1 October 2008
18 August 2008
Employers can apply for the sponsorship licence for all relevant employer-led tiers of the points-based immigration system. The licensing process for employers can take up to eight weeks. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has recommended that you apply no later than 1 October 2008 if you want to ensure that you have the licence when the system is launched in November. We have devised some top tips to help employers with the process and recommend that when you submit the application you have the appropriate systems in place and you can facilitate a site assessment visit by the UKBA as they may wish to visit. Please see our sponsorship licence page for more information.
Sponsorship licences for employers - apply now
28 July 2008
From Monday 28 July 2008, employers can apply for the sponsorship licence for Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based immigration system. The licensing process for employers can take up to eight weeks so applying for your licence in the next few weeks will ensure that you are able to continue to recruit individuals from overseas when the new system is launched in November. Please see our sponsorship licence page for more information.
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme replaced from 30 June
25 June 2008
On Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the Home Office's new points-based system for assessing immigration applications for the UK opens globally. Tier 1 replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). Any applications submitted under HSMP on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and considered invalid. Anyone currently in the UK under the HSMP who wishes to extend their stay will need to apply under Tier 1 when their existing permission to stay ends. See the points-based immigration system section for details.
Shortage occupation list consultation response
28 April 2008
In March, NHS Employers asked NHS organisations to provide information that demonstrated which occupations they were having difficulty recruiting to. We received an excellent response and would like to thank everyone who contributed to the consultation. The Home Office will now be processing the responses in order to produce a new shortage occupation list for the autumn. Read a summary of our response.
Review of international recruitment Code of Practice
21 April 2008
The World Health Organisation has commissioned a review of the Department of Health Code of Practice for International Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals. The review will be used to address health worker migration issues and to inform the development of a global code of practice. We are collating information from NHS organisations on how the application of the Code impacts on recruitment practices locally.
Points-based system: arrangements for migrants already in the UK
11 April 2008
Tier 1 of the points-based system was introduced in the UK on 29 February 2008 and extended to India on 1 April 2008. The roll-out will extend globally this summer at which point (this will not be before 30 June 2008) the UK Border Agency (UKBA) will be deleting the International Graduates Scheme category. Temporary transitional arrangements will be in place for individuals who are currently in the UK with permission to stay under the scheme. Individuals will need to look at the guidance on the UKBA Tier 1 (Post Study Work) study category for details.
New UK Border Agency launches
3 April 2008
The new UK Border Agency has launched today, replacing and bringing together the work of the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), Customs detection work at the border and UK visas. The new agency is now the largest delivery agency of the Home Office. The BIA's work on preventing illegal working and the points-based immigration system, both important areas for NHS employers, will now fall within its remit.
