New UK Immigration Points Based System

A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE NEW UK POINTS BASED IMMIGRATION SYSTEM

The UK Home Secretary has announced today the launch of a new points-based immigration system which will be an overhaul of the existing system geared towards attracting highly talented UK migrants and entrepreneurs from all over the world. To learn about your rights under the new system, contact us as soon as possible.

To speak to an immigration expert who understands the new system call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

How does the new Points Based System work?

The new points-based system which will be introduced on the 1st January 2021 will require those hoping to work in the UK to meet a points-based threshold. You will be required to have at least 70 points under this system and points are awarded to applicants for a number of different reasons.

If you need to learn more, our lawyers are ready to help.

Call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

How to earn points under the new immigration system

If you meet the following requirements, you will get a specified number of points.

• If you can speak English – 10 points
• If you have a job offer – 20 points
• If you have a Job offer with at a sufficient skill level – 20 points
• If your salary range between £23,040 – £25,599 – 10 points
• If your salary range over £25,600 – 20 points
• If your job is on the shortage occupation list – 20 points
• If you have a PhD – 10 points
• If you have a PhD in science, technology, maths or engineering – 20 points
• If you have a PhD relevant to your field of work – 20 points

It should be noted that if your salary falls between £20,480-£23,039, you will not gain any further points under this system. Furthermore, if you are coming to work for the National Healthcare Service (NHS), you will be granted additional points, and there are no limits on visas for those applying for these roles.

The points-based system can be confusing for further clarification call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

Which occupations does this system favour?

The stated goal of the immigration reforms is to attract highly talented foreign nationals, specifically ones working within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields. Simultaneously the government wants to discourage low-skilled migrants with salaries less than £20,000.

Whilst these are the stated goals of the new system the government has opened the pathway for those on the shortage occupation list which include those doing vital work for the NHS. In addition, the government will offer visas for a broad range of industries including digital technology, the humanities and the arts.

It is also important to note that the definition of “skilled work” has been reduced from graduate-level jobs to any jobs catered to those with A-level qualifications. A-levels are a qualification aimed at school leavers aged 16-18; the UK will accept international equivalents.

Whether you work in the STEM field or not, we know we can find the right lawyer for you. 

Call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

What is the minimum salary needed for a UK visa?

Under the new system, migrants working in the UK will face a salary threshold of £25,600. This is actually a reduced threshold which was previously set at £30,000 for skilled workers. You may still be eligible to come to work in the UK if you can make up for this in points; however, the set minimum is £20,480.

If you are an employer or an employee, it’s good to get legal advice—call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com to learn more about how these new rules work.

EU Settlement Scheme

The most dramatic change in this system is the equalising between EU and non-EU applicants. This is due to Britain’s recent decision to leave the EU, known as Brexit. This will Britain’s freedom of movement agreement with the EU, and as a result, Europeans will no longer be able to come, work or reside in the UK freely. The fact that EU nationals will be subject to the same immigration controls as their non-EU counterparts, meaning that they may be subject to enforced removal.

It is important to note that even if you are a permanent residency holder, you and any family members not holding a British passport must apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

To learn more about the EU Settlement Scheme, click here.

Our specialist EU lawyers are able to guide you through this process. To get started call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

NHS Visa

As part of the government’s programme, they will be rolling out a new visa for healthcare professionals with a job offer from the NHS. This visa will be fast-tracked and is specifically geared to enable those who are already able to speak English and have sufficient training to make an easy transition to working in the UK.

Our healthcare immigration specialists are here to help.

Call 020 7118 4546 or email: info@westkin.com

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is a new visa which will be rolled out on the 20th February 2020. It is to replace the old Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa, which was seen as being too strict and excluding a great pool of talent from making their lives in the UK.

This is one of the few visas which will not require that applicants have a job offer in the UK and is primarily geared towards leading experts in the STEM fields but is also available for those operating in the fashion, the humanities and a wide variety of different fields.

To learn more about the Global Talent Visa, click here.

Westkin Associates are one of the few firms to secure both Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise visas under the old system. We are confident we can secure you a Global Talent visa.

Call 020 7118 4546 to start your application or email: info@westkin.com