Points-based system of the U.K promises better options for immigrants

The United Kingdom (U.K) has always been a popular destination for those looking to migrate to another country.

The country is a favored choice for immigrants not only for its educational but also the professional opportunities that it offers.

The country has a population of around 68 crores and the GDP per capita income of the country is 39,700 USD.

Migration options in the UK

In the beginning of 2020, UK introduced a points-based immigration system with the intention to get the best and brightest immigrants to the country. This will come into effect from January 2021.

The main features of the points-based migration include:

• Immigration candidates for both EU and non-EU nations will be treated the same way
• Highly skilled workers, skilled workers and students wanting to come to the UK must follow the points-based system
• A job offer is mandatory for skilled workers
• Salary threshold will now be 26,000 pounds per year, reduced from 30,000 pounds required earlier
• Applicants must prove that they can speak English (A-level or equivalent)
• Highly skilled workers will need to be endorsed by a UK body, however they do not need a job offer
• Students will also come under the points- based system to study in the UK and must show proof of an admission letter from an educational institute, English proficiency and funds.
• 70 points is the minimum score required to be eligible for a visa

A job offer and the ability to speak English will get the applicant 50 points. The additional 20 points required to qualify for the visa can be gained through any of the following qualifications:

• Having a job offer that pays you 26,000 pounds or above per year will give you 20 points
• 10 points for a relevant PhD or 20 points for a PhD in a STEM subject
• 20 points for an offer for a job where there is a skill shortage

The new system is expected to increase migration opportunities for skilled workers.  The change in the English language requirements is expected to give British employers access to a larger pool of skilled workers.

This new system will be applicable to all migrants to the UK whether from the EU or other countries. The implementation of a points-based system will enable the government to utilize a uniform immigration system based on skills.
The primary motive behind introducing a points-based system is to reduce low-skilled migration to the country and bringing down the overall migration numbers.

Permanent residency

As a non -EU national, you can apply for permanent residency if you have lived in the UK for a certain number of years, lawfully or otherwise.

Here is a list indicating the amount of time you have to spend on various visas in the UK in order to be able to apply for an indefinite leave to remain (ILR):

• Marriage or unmarried partner to UK citizen: 2 years
• Lawful stay on any basis (long stay): 10 years
• Unlawful stay: 14 years
• Tier 1 and Tier 2 work permit: 5 years
• Investor, sportsperson, business owner, arts: 5 years
• Ancestry: 5 years

If your stay in the UK falls under each of the above categories and you have served the specified length of time, you might be eligible for a permanent residency.

Working in the UK

To improve your chances of getting a job in the UK is to look for a job that is in the skill shortage list. For this you will have to refer to the UK Shortage Occupation List.  This post will give you more information about the list and how you can use it to get a job in the UK.

The UK Shortage Occupation List is brought out by the UK government and it contains the list of occupations which face a shortage of professionals. This list indicates the skills that are in demand and getting a visa to work in these occupations will be relatively easy. This list is updated on a regular basis by keeping track of the skill shortages in the workforce.

The majority growth in employment is projected to be in professional services, transportation and storage and wholesale and retail trade over the period up to 2030. However, with the Coronavirus pandemic, the job outlook in the UK has changed.

Companies here are slowing down their recruiting process after the outbreak of a pandemic but the government’s attempts to boost the economy have made them hopeful.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate Overseas, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.