How does the UK points-based immigration system work
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom created history by officially exiting the European Union and ending the free movement within Europe. On the same day, the United Kingdom tabled an Immigration Bill that revolutionized the way Britain used to treat skilled workers’ applications and select overseas nationals for migration. This new system is known as a ‘Points-based Immigration System’ that gives priority to foreigners with the highest skills and the greatest talents: scientists, engineers, academics, and other highly-skilled workers.
So, how could a UK points-based immigration system work? What are the eligibility criteria to migrate to the UK under this system? This article discusses all!
Under the new points-based immigration system, anyone planning to migrate to the UK as a skilled worker must fulfill a specific set of requirements for which they will gain some scores. To be eligible, one must secure at least 70 points to apply for the visa.
There are two types of points. Mandatory points – for which applicants must score to apply. Tradeable points can be swapped to reach the 70-point threshold.
Three popular visa pathways come under the points-based immigration system in the UK:
Skilled Worker Visa- this visa category targets ‘talented’ individuals who are ‘highly skilled’ in their domain. The pathway focuses on occupations such as doctors, engineers, scientists, software developers, academics, and so on.
Global Talent Route- this immigration category is for promising and extremely talented professionals in specific sectors wishing to relocate to the UK. It replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa in February 2020.
To qualify, applicants must seek endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies designated by the UK Home Office. ‘
Graduate Route- As an unsponsored route, the UK Graduate pathway allows international students who have been awarded their degree to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, at any skill level for two years, or three years for doctoral students. The visa is open for students who have completed their education in the United Kingdom and want to take their next step into employment.
One must secure at least 70 points to qualify. Factors like: English language skills; education to reach the maximum threshold.
| Characteristics | Tradeable | Points |
| Job offer by approved sponsor | no | 20 |
| Job at appropriate skill level | no | 20 |
| Speaks English at required level | no | 10 |
| Salary of £20,480 (minimum) – £23,039 | Yes | 0 |
| Salary of £23,040 – £25,599 | Yes | 10 |
| Salary of £25,600 or above | Yes | 20 |
| Job in a shortage occupation (as designated by the MAC) | Yes | 20 |
| Education qualification: PhD in subject relevant to the job | Yes | 10 |
| Education qualification: PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job | Yes | 20 |
Learn more about the UK visit visa or skilled worker visa by contacting us. Fill out our free assessment for or just dial 8595338595 or drop an email at [email protected].
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