June 30 2008 – New system to control migration to the UK
From today all highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors wanting to come to the UK
will be able to apply for their UK visa under a new Australian style points based system.
Under the new system, applicants will need to amass points to satisfy the visa service that they can make a
positive contribution to the UK. Points will be awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications,
previous earnings, age and UK experience. Only those with enough points will be able to get a visa.
The system replaces the two staged Highly Skilled Migrant programme with a single application that is far
easier to use. Applicants are able to calculate how many points they will be awarded, and therefore if they
are likely to be issued a visa, before making an application.
Border and Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
“The introduction of Tier 1 of the Points Based System is good for those wanting to work in Britain and good
for the UK economy.
“We are clear that we will not tolerate any abuse of our systems. That is why we have introduced fingerprint
technology to check all visa applicants, a new force to police our borders and new rules that ban anyone
using false documents or deception from the UK for up to ten years.”
Today’s changes introduce the first tier of the points based system. Other tiers for students, skilled workers
with a job offer and temporary workers such as musicians, actors and sportsmen will both be introduced over
the next year.
Contact Ambler Collins should you have further enquiries on immigration to the UK, NZ, Australia or the USA
visa, we will undertake a complimentary assessment of your eligibility. Email us at;
info@amblercollins.com
