Brexit. The UK points based immigration system is now live.

The visa application system is open

2 Dec 2020

Individuals wanting to come to the UK to work under the UK’s new points based immigration system from 1 January 2021 can apply for a visa from today. It’s also possible to submit applications for the skilled worker scheme.

As an employer, you will need to be registered as a licensed sponsor if you wish to employ individuals from outside the UK under the new system.

A podcast has been produced ‘Business and the Future of Immigration in 2021’ to help businesses prepare for the new immigration system.

If you are planning to hire anyone under the new Skilled Worker route from outside the UK they will need to:

have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor
have a job offer at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent)
speak English to the required standard

In addition to this, the job offer must meet the applicable minimum salary threshold. This is the higher of either the:

general salary threshold of £25,600, or
specific salary requirement for their occupation, known as the ‘going rate’

Other routes

Other routes in addition to the Skilled Worker route now open for applications include:

The Intra-Company Transfer route: for established workers who are being transferred by their employer to do a skilled role in the UK

The Global Talent Visa: for those with exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology or arts and culture

The Innovator Visa: for those intending to establish a business in the UK based on an innovative, viable and scalable business idea

The Start-up Visa: for those establishing a business in the UK for the first time;

Additional routes are due to be opened up shortly, including the new Hong Kong British Nationals Overseas visa.

Further information is available at GOV.UK

If you have any questions on this or the HR implications for your business please contact us.