Following their exit from the European Union, UK has introduced a points-based system, under which foreign workers willing to move and work in the UK will be required to qualify with a minimum of 70 points.

Under the new Immigration System, an employer must have a sponsor licence to hire eligible employees from outside the UK.

The points-based immigration system requires anyone coming to the UK for work to meet a set of requirements, for which they are awarded points. Those who are able to secure a minimum of 70 points are granted a visa. This is a major change for UK employers looking to recruit people from outside the UK from January 2021 onwards. However, the system also provides for flexible arrangements to allow them to recruit foreign skilled workers. Let us now understand how the points are awarded according to the system.

Job Offer Related Points

Under the system, an applicant will be able to secure 20 points for a job offer from an approved sponsor. The applicant can then secure 20 more points provided their job meets the required skill level.

All jobs in the UK, have a corresponding Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code. Each SOC code is assigned a designated skill level. With the help of SCO, it is determined whether or not a job meets the requirements of the Skilled Worker route.

Apart from that, the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level is usually required to be level 3 and above. RQF categorises qualifications based on their size and level of challenge or difficulty.

Language Related Points

For their ability to speak English, the applicant will be able to secure further 10 points.

Job In A Shortage Occupation

There is a provision of 20 points if the applicant takes up a job in a shortage occupation as identified by the Migration Advisory Committee in the UK.

Remuneration Related Points

The applicant can secure 20 points if they are due to be paid at least £25,600 a year.

Educational Qualification-Related Points

Higher educational qualification fetches even more points i.e. 10 points for a PhD in a subject relevant to the job and further 20 points for PhD in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) subject relevant to the job.

Application Process

Applicants can submit their application online. However, in some cases, the applicant may need to visit a visa application centre to prove their identity and show necessary documents such as a certificate of sponsorship from a UK employer, and proof of proficiency in English.

Application Fee

The application fee depends on how many years the applicant plans to work in the UK, and whether their job is on a list of skills that the UK has a shortage of.

The standard fee is £610 for up to 3 years and £1,220 for more than 3 years. The fee will be low if the applicant’s job is on the shortage occupation list.

The applicant is required to pay a health surcharge also which is usually £624 per year.

Funds Requirement

The applicant must have a minimum of £1,270 in their bank account to be able to support themselves in the UK. They must submit relevant proof to show the availability of funds.

Choose IMB Immigration Law

If you aspire to move to the UK to work there, avail expert assistance from IMB Immigration Law to submit your application today. IMB Immigration Law is headed by Ravneet Kaur Brar who has extensive experience in the immigration industry. We have helped many people successfully move to Canada, UK and the USA over the years. We’ll be happy to help you with an existing application and visa rejections as well.