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Transitional arrangements for Tiers 2 and 5
23 October 2008
Important information for people who are currently in the United Kingdom with leave to enter or remain in one of the immigration categories that are due to close when Tiers 2 and 5 are introduced.
Many existing immigration categories are due to close when tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. After this date, anyone with permission to stay in United Kingdom who wants to extend their stay will need to apply under the points-based system.
If you are in one of the following categories you and/or your employer will need to take action before Tiers 2 and 5 are introduced, if you want to extend your stay in the United Kingdom after your current leave expires.
- Visiting Religious worker
- Religious worker in a non -pastoral role
- International Association for the Exchange of Students of Technical Experience (IAESTE)
- International Fire Fighter Fellowship Programme
- EU Leonardo da Vinci Programme
- China Graduate Work Experience programme
- Voluntary worker
- Exchange teacher or language assistant
- Research assistant to a Member of Parliament
- Au Pair placement
- British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) student
- Rudolf Steiner concession
- Private servant in a diplomatic household
- Overseas Government Employee
- Work permit holder - Medical Training Initiative (MTI)
- Work permit holder - Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES)
- Work permit holder - General Agreement in Trade in Services (GATS)
- Jewish Agency employees
- Teachers with leave as working holidaymakers
Applications for work permits posted after Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced will not be accepted (unless you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national). Couriered applications and those sent electronically must be received on the day before Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. If you already have a work permit you should continue to apply for leave to enter or remain under the immigration rules relating to work permits, which will remain in force after Tier 2 and Tier 5 are launched.
We have published the transitional arrangement for tiers 2 and 5.