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The points-based system

This section explains what the points-based system for immigration is and how it works.

On 29 February 2008, a new immigration system was launched to ensure that only those with the right skills or the right contribution can come to the United Kingdom to work or study.

The points-based system enables us to control migration more effectively, tackle abuse and identify the most talented workers.

The system, which has been introduced in phases, has three key elements:

  • It combines more than 80 previous work and study routes to the United Kingdom into five tiers.
  • Points are awarded according to workers' skills, to reflect their aptitude, experience and age and also the demand for those skills in any given sector. This allows the United Kingdom to respond flexibly to changes in the labour market.
  • It is a fair, transparent and objective system which enables potential migrants to assess their likelihood of making a successful application - this means that it should help to reduce the number of failed applications.

For more information about the system's five tiers, the points-based assessment and sponsors' duties, see the How the points-based system works page.

A 'resident labour market test' ensures that jobs are advertised to workers in the United Kingdom before they can be offered to migrant workers. In April 2009 the test was tightened, requiring employers to advertise jobs more widely.

Migration Advisory Committee

The Migration Advisory Committee advises the government on areas where migration can sensibly fill skills gaps in the economy. It provides advice on what should be the 'shortage occupations' - under Tier 2 of the points-based system, it is easier for employers to bring in migrants to do jobs in these shortage occupations.

Migration Impacts Forum

The Migration Impacts Forum provides a forum for proper, regular and organised dialogue with interested parties outside the government, focused on local areas' experience of the wider impacts associated with migration. It looks at information from forum members about the social benefits of migration, and any transitional impacts and adjustment requirements arising from migration.

See also

Terms explained

  • Points-based assessment

    The method for deciding whether you qualify to come to work, train or study in the United Kingdom under our points-based system. To qualify, you must earn a certain number of points in various categories.

  • Sponsorship duties

    The responsibilities organisations have when they sponsor migrants under the points-based system. The duties are record keeping, reporting, compliance, co-operating with us and tier specific duties.

  • 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