Please note: The detail of the points-based system is being finalised so some aspects are still subject to change. The information provided on this website will be regularly updated over the coming months. Please re-visit this site to get the latest information.

A points-based system: five tiers

Underpinning the new migration system will be a five-tier framework. This will help people understand how the system works and direct applicants to the category that is most appropriate for them.

• Tier 1: Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity
• Tier 2: Skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in United Kingdom labour force.
• Tier 3: Limited numbers of low-skilled workers needed to fill temporary labour shortages.
• Tier 4: Students.
• Tier 5: Youth mobility and temporary workers: people allowed to work in the United Kingdom for a limited period of time to satisfy primarily non-economic objectives.

The five tiers will cover all routes for those wishing to enter the United Kingdom to work, study and train; there are currently about 80 for these purposes. These have been rationalised into five tiers with different conditions, entitlements and entry-clearance checks.

Home Office claims that it will make the system easier to understand and use and allow them to adapt thier policy on points and sponsorship to the very different needs of those entering the United Kingdom to work or study.

Tiers 3 and 5 are temporary routes - people in them will not be able to switch out of them once they are in the United Kingdom. Those in tiers 1, 2 and 4 will be eligible to switch between these tiers subject to meeting the requirements of the tier they wish to switch to. Tiers 1 and 2 will potentially lead to settlement if settlement requirements are met at the time of that application.

Dependants will be allowed under tiers 1, 2, 4 and 5. However, dependants will not be allowed to work where accompanying a student (tier 4) or a temporary worker (tier 5) who has been given less than 12 months' leave in the United Kingdom.

Points and structured decision-making

For each tier, applicants will need sufficient points to gain entry clearance or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Points will be awarded according to objective and transparent criteria. In all tiers, points will be awarded for control factors which indicate whether the applicant is likely to comply with their immigration requirements in the United Kingdom. In tiers 1 and 2, points will also be awarded for attributes such as age, previous salary or prospective salary, and qualifications. Prospective migrants will be able to assess themselves against these criteria, and see whether they are likely to have enough points to qualify before paying an application fee. An online self-assessment tool will allow applicants to score themselves against points.

According to the Home Office the points will allow them to have an objective way of making decisions and to trade off attributes against each other. The highly skilled migrants programme is already based on points and they have found this approach to be successful. Decision-makers will be able to rely on a more structured and objective decision-making process which is more transparent and easier to use for applicants.

Sponsorship and compliance

Those who benefit from migration (employers and educational institutions) should take on some of the responsibilities associated with migration. All applicants in tiers 2-5 will need to provide a certificate of sponsorship from a licensed sponsor. The certificate will act as an assurance that the migrant is able to do a particular job or course of study.

Sponsors will be expected to inform the Home Office if a sponsored migrant fails to turn up for their first day of work, or does not enrol on their course. They will similarly be expected to report any discontinuation of studies, or if the contract is terminated, the migrant is leaving their employment, or is changing educational institution.

There will be increased focus on compliance in the United Kingdom and more responsibilities for sponsors whose compliance will be checked through our account management structure. Account managers will provide help and guidance to sponsors in discharging their responsibilities but where there are concerns, compliance officers will be directed to make robust checks on job roles, qualifications and salary. Serious breaches of the rules may lead to sponsors being removed from the register and prevented from employing migrant workers.

Costs and charging

The costs of administering the new scheme will be recovered through fees and charges. The current plans are that those who benefit most from the immigration system will pay proportionately more to help fund the wider transformation of the system. This would apply to tier 1 and 2 applicants with costs for tiers 3, 4 and 5 set at or below cost recovery levels.

The actual proposed fee levels will be set out for approval by Parliament early in 2008.