British Immigration on Tier System

UK Government has introduced Tier System which accommodates all people who are interested to come, work and settle in UK. Depending on work criteria, the system has been divided into 5 criteria (class) which will help the people to understand who are eligible to work and for how many hours and periods. Below is the current outline that the government has provided about the new points based tiered immigration system. However, this information is subject to change as the system comes closer to launch, so please refer back to this page from time to time in case anything changes.

• • Tier1: For highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students. This is designed to replace the HSMP, the Entrepreneur and Investor schemes, Innovator Scheme and the International Graduate Scheme.
• • Tier 2: This is designed for people who do not meet the criteria of Tier 1 but have a definite job offer. Skilled Professionals & Workers and Intra Company Transferee Visa holders will be fitted to this tier.
• • Tier 3: For a limited numbers of lower skilled workers to fill temporary shortages in the labor market.
• • Tier 4: Students, student visitor and student depended, family visitor
• • Tier 5: For youth mobility and temporary workers, such as those who come under working holiday agreements with other countries as well as expert trade people like sportsmen, journalist, model, student visa with less than one year course etc.

Tiers 3 and 5 are temporary migration schemes and migrants who fall under these tiers will not be able to switch to a different tier from within the UK. The UK has also suspended Tier 3 in favor of migrants from the EU; however, this may change depending on labor market demands.

Tiers 1, 2, and 4 will be eligible to switch to another tier once they are in the UK if they can meet the requirements of that tier. Tiers 1 and 2 can potentially lead to settlement if the permanent residence requirements are met at the time of application.

Points Structure

Each tier will require the migrant to score a sufficient number of points to gain entry clearance or extend his or her leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Points will be awarded for various criteria specific to each tier. In all tiers, points will be awarded for criteria, which indicate that the individual is likely to comply with immigration requirements.

In Tiers 1 and 2, points will be awarded for criteria such as age, previous salary or prospective salary, and qualifications; a system similar to the current Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP) which has proven very successful.

Sponsorship

All migrants applying under Tiers 2-5 will be required to have sponsorship from a licensed sponsor (an employer or educational institution). The certificate of sponsorship assures that the migrant is able to perform the particular job or course of study. This is also to control the labor market and guide the employer/sponsor to abide by the rules and regulations introduced in the British Immigration & Asylum Law and report to the respective authorities about the current status of each and every foreign people under this tiers and report immediately to authorities if any abuse is happened.

Highly skilled Tier 1 migrants do not require a job offer and thus do not require sponsorship.

Dependants

Dependants are allowed to come to the UK with the main applicant. However, they will not be allowed to work if they accompany a student under Tier 4 or a temporary worker under Tier 5 if -- in both cases -- the individual has been given less than 12 months leave to remain in the UK.