Since the introduction of points based system (PBS) in 2008, the UK work visa applications mostly relates to Tier 1, 2 and 5. However, concurrently, non-PBS work visa applications, such as UK ancestry visa, work permit etc. are also made. Perhaps, after the introduction of Innovator and Start-up visa under Appendix W of the Immigration, there has been a change away from PBS.
Apparently, the UK points-based immigration system is designed to select migrants on certain valued attributes. Moreover, the attributes usually include educational qualifications, professional skill and language skills. And also maintenance funds.
Perhaps, HM’s government launched the points-based system visa UK for non-EEA national work and study visas in 2008. However, the visa eligibility determines by satisfying a set of mandatory criteria, to which a fixed number of symbolic points are attached. Accordingly, this has arguably resulted in a system which is points-based in name only as by passage of time government has incorporated subjective criteria such as genuineness test.
There are five ‘tiers’ to the points-based system. These cater for high skill/high-value migrants; sponsored skilled workers; low-skilled workers; students; and temporary workers. Each tier contains several different visa categories (and some sub-categories), with varying associated conditions and mandatory eligibility requirements. The tier for low-skilled workers has never been used because it has been assumed that any need for low-skilled workers can be met from within the UK/European Economic Area (EEA) workforce.
There are five ‘tiers’ to the points-based system. Each tier contains several different visa sub-categories (and some sub-sub-categories), with varying associated conditions and eligibility requirements. Moreover, of these categories, Tier 2 (General) is the main visa route for bringing skilled non-EU/EEA workers to the UK.
Tier 1: for high value migrants. Categories for entrepreneurs; investors; graduate entrepreneurs; and migrants with exceptional talents in science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, TV and film, fashion or the arts.
Tier 2: for sponsored skilled workers with a long-term job offer. Categories for general skilled workers; Ministers of religion; sportspeople; and intra-company transfers (which is split into two sub-categories).
The UK government has never used Tier 3 for low skilled workers. Apparently, the EEA resident workforce effectively meets the need for low skilled workers.
Tier 4 for child students (age 4-17) and adult students (age 16 or over). Perhaps, eligibility to work as a Tier 4 student depends on the circumstances of the case.
Tier 5: for temporary workers. Categories for Youth mobility (limited to certain nationalities) and five sub-categories for classes of temporary worker with job offer/sponsor (generally staying for two years or less).
Visas are also available for dependant family members of points-based system migrants. The eligibility criteria and associated conditions, including permission to work, vary depending on the sponsoring family member’s visa category.
A few niche work and study visa categories available to non-EEA nationals remain outside of the points-based system. Namely, the short-term study visa, domestic worker in a private household visa, Turkish worker visa, Turkish businessperson visa, and representative of an overseas business visa.
For applications, reapplication after refusal and to appeal against UK visa refusal contact specialist immigration solicitors London by filling the UK Visa Enquiry Form.
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