Jump to content



Timetable for PBS launch

This page outlines the timetable for the roll out of the new points- based system which begins in 2008.

Tier Statement of intent Applications open
Tier 1: General 7 December 2007 From 29 February 2008
Tier 1: General (India) 7 December 2007 From April 2008
Tier 1: General (worldwide) 7 December 2007 In the summer of 2008
Tier 1: Investors 7 December 2007 In the summer of 2008
Tier 1: Entrepreneurs 7 December 2007 In the summer of 2008
Tier 1: Post-study 7 December 2007 In the summer of 2008
Sponsor registration for Tier 1 (General) and intra-company transfers 22 November 2007 From 29 February 2008
Sponsor registration for tiers 2, 4, and 5 22 November 2007 In the summer of 2008
Tier 2: skilled workers with a job offer Due May 2008 In the autumn of 2008
Tier 3: Limited numbers of low skilled workers needed to fill temporary labour shortages This tier is currently suspended
Tier 4: students Due later in 2008 In the spring of 2009
Tier 5: Youth mobility and temporary workers Due May 2008 In the autumn of 2008


Terms explained

  • Points-based system

    Our immigration system for managing applications by people who wish to come to the United Kingdom to work, train or study.

  • Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker

    A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to people who are looking for highly skilled employment in the United Kingdom, or are self-employed or setting up a business.

  • Tier 2 (General) - skilled worker

    A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to skilled people with a job offer who are looking for employment in the United Kingdom, or are self-employed or setting up a business.

  • Tier 2 - intra-company transfers

    A category of the points-based system for coming to the United Kingdom to work, train or study. It applies to sponsors who are transferring employees within an organisation to a skilled job under Tier 2.

All glossary terms



Back to top