08-04-2024
7 Views
Immigration to the UK has always been a matter of concern for study abroad aspirants and professionals looking for greener pastures abroad. As the UK severed ties from the rest of the EU on 31 December 2020, the apprehension grew even more. However, the government came up with a revised points-based system to enable EU and non-EU nationals to apply for the relevant visas to live and work in the country. Here are the facts that you need to understand about the new system that requires a minimum of 70 points for visa eligibility.
Obtaining employer sponsorship as a Skilled Worker is the primary route to work in the UK. An applicant needs to get points based on several factors such as skills, qualifications, prospective income, etc., to qualify in the Skilled Worker category. Another factor that favours your chances is a shortage of appropriately qualified UK resident applicants for the specific job role. Under the new scheme, you will have to get 70 points to apply in the category. You can get an extra 20 points with a valid job offer from an approved sponsor.
The new immigration system defines relevant occupation categories for the applicants to qualify for a Skilled Worker visa. Essentially, a job at a Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level 3 (A-Level qualifications) or more is considered eligible. The government has a list of occupations you can explore on the official sites. The good news is that several technical occupations that did not qualify for the previous Tier 2 (General) visa may be eligible under this route.
An employer in the UK can hire a professional under the Skilled Worker visa route if they have a Home Office sponsor licence. They must have it before your application is made so that the procedure moves seamlessly. The process is complicated, so the employer must be committed to following through. They must also understand the sponsor duties and compliance requirements because breaching them can lead to penalties and revocation of the sponsor licence. It can also have an impact on the validity of the applicant’s visa.
Government fees for sponsoring employers under the new route are the same as for the old Tier 2 (General) visa scheme. Currently, it stands at £620 for a three-year visa and 1,220 for a five-year visa. However, it may vary depending on factors such as the applicant’s nationality and job role shortage. The Immigration Health Surcharge has witnessed an increase, standing at £624 per year for adults and £470 per year for children below 18 years of age. Employers will have to pay Immigration Skills Levy, a yearly fee imposed on businesses sponsoring migrant workers. It is £364 per year for small businesses and £1,000 per year for others.
The new system has a provision for Intra-company Transfers (ICT) in some circumstances, such as for employees working with multinational businesses with international offices. The applicant must have been working with the company for at least 12 months (9 months for a graduate intra-company trainee) before being transferred. The UK role of the applicant should be at NQF 6 level, while the minimum salary threshold stands at £41,500 (£23,000 for a graduate intra-company trainee). The eligibility requirements are higher than the Skilled Worker route, but the applicant need not prove English Language ability.
The best part of the new immigration system of the UK comes for international students. The Graduate route will allow them to stay back in the country for two years after the completion of a graduate degree. The period is three years for international students completing a Ph.D. from a UK university. The route will be available from 1 July 2021. Apart from the Graduate route, people considered as leaders in their field can work in the UK under the Global Talent route. This route also applies to potential leaders in research or academia, digital technology, or arts and culture.
The new system is non-disparate towards EU and non-EU citizens. It means that EU citizens planning to move to the UK will require permission to live and work here, just as non-EU citizens had to apply for a work visa here. EU citizens already living in the country with settled or pre-settled status need not apply for further work permission. The same holds for non-EU citizens with indefinite leave to remain. Likewise, Irish citizens automatically have the right and need not get a visa under the new route.
The new immigration system is all set to bring new opportunities for qualified students, professionals, and domain leaders who want to make a mark in the UK’s business landscape. Check these routes and see which one works for you!
07-09-2024
06-09-2024
06-09-2024
05-09-2024
05-09-2024
05-09-2024
01-01-1970
01-01-1970
01-01-1970
01-01-1970
01-01-1970
01-01-1970
08-04-2024
What is Bebras and how can this unique UK challenge help sharpen your computational thinking and problem-solving skills?
20-04-2024
Explore the ideal age range for sending a child to boarding school, considering factors like emotional readiness, academic preparedness, social development, and independence. Discover the benefits and key considerations to make an informed decision for your child\'s educational journey.
03-09-2024
The discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in hundreds of schools across the United Kingdom has sparked a crisis that threatens to have long-lasting impacts on the education sector. As we approach the 2024-2025 academic year, the repercussions of this structural issue continue to reverberate through the educational landscape, affecting students, teachers, and school administrators alike.
28-08-2024
Learn which companies in the UK offer the highest salaries for entry-level cyber security analysts, including job roles, skills required, and career prospects.
10-06-2024
Explore powerful mental models and decision-making frameworks to guide your selection of the best 5 universities and courses for your undergraduate degree in the UK. Our comprehensive guide provides invaluable insights and strategies to align your choices with your academic interests and career aspirations.
01-06-2024
Find out everything you need to know about the major UCAS personal statement reforms coming in 2025. Get details on the new question format, rationale, and implementation timeline.