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The UK’s New Point-Based Immigration System
Since January 2021, the UK has adopted a flexible points-based system across categories to attract skilled individuals who can contribute to its economy. This new post-Brexit immigration policy replaced the previous tier-based system that categorised visas into tiers with varying requirements.
With the integration of this system, individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences have a greater chance to qualify.
How Points Are Awarded
The point-based system is primarily used for work visas, but it can also influence other applications. These points vary by visa type.
Generally, points awarded for meeting mandatory requirements, such as a job offer from a licenced sponsor, a job at the required skill level, and English language proficiency.
Additional “tradable” points can be earned based on factors like salary, relevant qualifications, and whether the job is on a shortage occupation list.
Key UK Work Visa Categories [Latest]
Let us give you an overview of the most frequently utilised routes for employment in the UK.
1. Skilled Worker Visa:
This is the primary route for skilled workers to come to the UK for employment. It is ideal for individuals with professional skills and qualifications seeking long-term employment. Let’s breakdown the requirements for the Skilled Worker visa in detail.
Mandatory Requirements (50 points total):
- Job Offer from a Licenced Sponsor (20 points): You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer with a valid sponsor licence.
- Job at the Required Skill Level (20 points): Your job must be at the required skill level (RQF level 3 or above).
- English Language Proficiency (10 points): You must prove your English language ability to a minimum of CEFR level B1. This is an intermediate level of English proficiency.
Tradable Points (additional points needed to reach 70 points):
- Salary Thresholds and Points System (20, 10, or 0 points): Points are awarded based on the salary offered, with higher salaries earning more points. There are also specific salary thresholds depending on the job. As of April 4, 2024, the general salary threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has increased to £38,700 per year.
- Relevant PhD Qualifications (10 or 20 points): Holding a PhD in a subject relevant to your job can earn you extra points.
- Jobs in Shortage Occupations (20 points): If your job is on the UK’s shortage occupation list, you’ll earn additional points.
- New Entrant to the Labour Market (20 points): Those who are new to the job market may be able to gain extra points.
2. Health and Care Worker Visa:
This is a specialised route within the Skilled Worker visa, designed to address labor shortages in the health and social care sectors. It is ideal for healthcare professionals and adult social care workers seeking long-term employment in the UK.
Key Requirements:
- Job offer from a UK-licenced sponsor in an eligible health or social care occupation.
- Meeting the English language requirement.
- Meeting the salary threshold
Points Are Awarded For:
- Having a job offer in an eligible health or care occupation.
- Meeting the specific salary requirements for health and care roles.
- English language ability.
3. Global Business Mobility Visas
These visas enable business owners to transfer employees to the UK. It is ideal for multinational companies.
Key Requirements:
- Sponsorship from a UK-based business.
- Meeting specific eligibility criteria related to the role and the applicant’s experience, that varies depending on the specific Global Business Mobility route.
Read relevant article for information on how to get a business visa in the UK.
4. Temporary Worker Visas
These visas are given to individuals seeking short-term employment in specific areas such as agricultural work or creative arts.
Key Requirements:
- Sponsorship from a UK-licenced sponsor.
- Meeting specific eligibility criteria related to the type of temporary work.
- These visas are time-limited.
5. Global Talent Visa:
This visa is for pioneers or exceptional individuals in the fields of science, humanities, engineering, arts, and digital technology.
Key Requirements:
- Endorsement from a relevant UK-approved body.
- Demonstrating exceptional talent or promise in their field.
- Does not require a job offer.
Sponsorship Requirements
Sponsorship generally means that a UK-based organisation (an employer, for example) has been licenced by the Home Office to hire foreign workers. This organisation takes on certain responsibilities, like ensuring that the worker meets the visa requirements and adhering to UK immigration law.
A key part is the issuance of a “Certificate of Sponsorship” (CoS) from the sponsor to the applicant. This document contains important details about the applicant and the job.
From the list of visas we have discussed above, only the Global Talent Visa is exempt from sponsorship requirements.
Application Process and Documents
The document requirements can vary significantly based on the specific visa type. Here’s a general overview:
1. Online Application:
Applicants will need to create an account and complete the online application form on the official government portal. There, you provide personal details, passport information, and details about the job offer or sponsorship.
2. Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS):
If the visa requires sponsorship (Skilled Worker, Health and Care Worker, Global Business Mobility, Temporary Worker), the sponsoring employer will provide a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). This unique reference number is required for linking the applicant to their sponsor.
3. Document Submission (Applicants from Pakistan):
Applicants applying for a UK work visa from Pakistan must provide specific supporting documents to substantiate their application. These documents are crucial for the Home Office to assess eligibility.
- A valid passport with sufficient blank pages.
- Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) reference number issued by the UK-licenced sponsor.
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Proof of funds as bank statements.
- A formal job offer letter from the UK-based sponsoring employer
- Copies of academic degrees, diplomas, and professional certifications relevant to the job. Any professional memberships should also be included.
- Police Clearance certificate (Character Certificate):
- Tuberculosis (TB) test results from Home Office verified clinics.
- Endorsement letter (For Global Talent Visa)
- Pay slips (if applicable)
- Copies of previous visas and entry/exit stamps in passports, if applicable
Important note for Pakistani applicants: Attestation of academic documents from HEC is required. Any documents that are not in English must be accompanied by certified English translations.
4. Biometric Information:
- Applicants will need to provide biometric information, including fingerprints and a photograph, at a designated visa application center.
5. Application Fee:
- A non-refundable application fee must be paid online. The fee amount varies depending on the visa type and the applicant’s circumstances.
6. Decision and Visa Issuance:
- The Home Office will review the application and supporting documents.
- If the application is successful, a visa will be issued, allowing the applicant to travel to the UK.
Other UK Work Visa Options for 2025
Innovator Founder Visa
The Innovator Founder visa is for ambitious entrepreneurs with groundbreaking business concepts, and it does not require a job offer. Instead, you must secure a letter of endorsement from a UK-approved body. This route is also ideal for students whose Graduate Visa is expiring, and they wish to extend their stay in the UK.
Scale-Up Worker Visa
Designed to support the rapid growth of UK “scale-up” companies, this visa enables these fast-expanding businesses to recruit highly skilled individuals. To apply, you must have a job offer from a qualifying scale-up company and meet specific skill and salary requirements.
Youth Mobility Scheme Visa
This visa offers a unique opportunity for young people from participating countries to experience life and work in the UK for a two–year period. It’s a cultural exchange program that allows participants to immerse themselves in British culture whilst gaining valuable work experience. Eligibility is limited to individuals within a specific age range, and participating countries are subject to change.
International Sportsperson Visa
This visa is designed for elite sportspeople and qualified coaches who are internationally recognised. Applicants must demonstrate that they are at the highest level in their sport and that their presence will contribute to the development of this sector in the UK.
Minister of Religion Visa (T2)
This visa is for individuals coming to the UK to work as ministers of religion, such as priests, missionaries, or religious workers. Applicants must have a job offer from a religious organisation in the UK and meet specific eligibility requirements.
FAQs
Yes, you can switch jobs whilst on a UK work visa, but it necessitates a new sponsor who will issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS). A new visa application is then required. It’s also crucial to ensure the new role meets the visa’s skill and salary thresholds
Yes, a confirmed job offer is mandatory for most UK work visas, including the Skilled Worker route. The Global Talent visa is a notable exception, as it relies on endorsement.
The initial application is submitted online through the official website. Following this, you’ll need to attend a biometric appointment. This appointment takes place at a designated Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country of residence.
If you lose your job whilst on a UK work visa, it remains valid for a 60 days period. During this time, you must secure a new sponsor to issue a CoS.
The duration of your stay depends on the specific visa. For the Skilled Worker visa, this duration is up to 5 years. Extensions are possible, allowing for continued employment. After five years of continuous legal residence, you may become eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
In 2024, more than 210,000 work visas were granted by the UK, highlighting a strong demand for international talent. If you too want to live and work in the UK, choosing the right visa is the first step. But with the latest UK work visa updates, the application process can seem difficult and confusing.
This article will simplify things for you as well as give you a clear idea of the types of work visas available, eligibility criteria and how to apply. So, let’s dive into it.
Secure Your UK Work Visa with Legend Consults
The UK work visa application process can be challenging. The ever-changing rules, paperwork, and potential for costly errors can leave you feeling lost and anxious. Legend Consults is here to manage your case with precision and expertise. Let us handle the complexities, so you can focus on building your future in the UK.
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