What is the points-based system?
This page provides an introduction to our points-based system. It explains how the system works and what it means for United Kingdom based employers employing migrant workers and educational institutions teaching migrants.
The points-based system is the biggest shake-up of the immigration system for 45 years. The system will replace over 80 existing routes to work and study in the United Kingdom with five tiers. The system allows British businesses to recruit the skills they need from abroad while providing assurances to the British public that only those migrants we need will be able to come to the United Kingdom.
Who does the system apply to?
The points-based system only covers migrants from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. If you want to employ or teach an EEA or Swiss national, you should be able to do this without needing our permission. There are some restrictions on nationals of countries that have recently joined the EEA. The section for European citizens provides more information on the rights of all EEA and Swiss nationals.
How the system will work
Under the new system, migrants will need to pass a points-based assessment before they are given permission to enter or remain in the United Kingdom. The system will consist of five tiers. Each tier has different points requirements.
The number of points the migrant needs and the way the points are awarded will depend on the tier they are applying under. Points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working.
The role of the sponsor
Migrants applying under any tier except tier 1 will need to be sponsored in order for their application to be successful. If a United Kingdom organisation wishes to recruit a migrant under tiers 2, 4 or tier 5: Temporary Workers they will have to apply to us for a sponsor licence.
Under tiers 2 and 5: Temporary Workers, the sponsor will need to be a United Kingdom based employer. Under tier 4, the sponsor will need to be a United Kingdom based educational institution.
Migrants wishing to come to the United Kingdom under Tier 5: Youth Mobility do not require a United Kingdom based employer.
You can find full details of the sponsorship duties and how you can apply to become a licensed sponsor on the sponsoring workers and sponsoring students pages.
What are the tiers?
The points-based system consists of five tiers. These are:
- tier 1 - highly skilled workers, for example scientists and entrepreneurs;
- tier 2 - skilled workers with a job offer, for example teachers and nurses;
- tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages, for example construction workers for a particular project;
- tier 4 - students;
- tier 5 - youth mobility and temporary workers for example musicians coming to play in a concert.
When will the system be introduced?
The points-based system is being introduced in stages as outlined below.
For workers
Tier 1 is now fully open.
Tiers 2 and 5 will open at the end of November 2008. Employers who want to bring in migrant workers under tiers 2 and 5: Temporary Workers at the end of November 2008 should apply for a sponsor licence as soon as possible so that we can make sure you get the earliest possible decision and minimise any delays to your recruitment process. In order to help us process your application please make sure that you send in a complete and accurate application, fee and appropriate supporting documentation. If we contact you to request further information or to arrange a visit please comply as soon as possible.
Tier 3 is currently suspended.
For students
More details about the opening date for applications under tier 4 will be announced in October 2008. If you are an educational institution that currently teaches migrants, they will need to apply under the tier 4 when it opens. This includes any students already here who need to extend their stay.
See also
News & updates
Terms explained
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European Economic Area
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Irish Republic, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom. Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU) but citizens of these countries have the same rights to enter, live in and work in the United Kingdom as EU citizens.