In February 2008 the British Government announced plans to introduce a points-based immigration system for highly skilled foreign workers who want to move to the UK. The system started on 29 February 2008 for foreign nationals working in Britain who want to extend their stay. From April 2008 the system will be rolled out overseas, commencing in India.
There has already been much debate on how it will impact the opportunities for foreign students in the UK, and for post-graduation work. Here we explore what the changes are all about, and how they will affect your ability to study and work in the UK.
Until now, the UK immigration system has been very complicated. With 80 different options for work, training or study in the UK, assessments have been up to the individual case officer and sometimes based on subjective decisions.
Now, all this will be swept away. These 80 different routes will become five simple categories - with a clear points system for each. It is very similar to the system already used in Australia, which is seen as one of the simplest and most efficient in the world.
The UK wants to make sure that only people with the skills most in need will gain entry into the UK. It’s a way of ensuring the needs of their labour market are met. But that doesn’t mean you’ll have to switch your studies to plumbing just to get in! Points are also awarded on your age (the younger the better), your qualifications (the higher the better), your English ability, your current income and your ability to support yourself financially.
So, you can gain an advantage in the points system through further study in the UK, especially if it’s postgraduate study. And you’ll still have the opportunity to work in the UK once you graduate, through the new Tier 1 Post-Study Work sub-category.
Based on the current Home Office guidelines (which are still open to change), here is how it will now work.
There are five ‘tiers’ within the new system:
Tier 1: Highly Skilled – includes entrepreneurs, business people, and top scientists. You won’t need a job offer, and you’ll have the greatest opportunity to settle in the UK permanently.
Tier 2: Skilled with job offer – if your points don’t reach the required amount for Tier 1, you’ll need a job offer in an area where the UK is short of labour (such as nursing).
Tier 3: Low skilled – this category will now favour migrants from the EU.
Tier 4: Students – a simpler and more transparent system for student visas.
Tier 5: Temporary workers, youth mobility – covers sports people, musicians, cultural exchanges or working holidays.
The tiers most relevant to international students are Tier 4 and Tier 1. Requirements for student visas will not change significantly when this new tier is rolled out in 2009.
The main difference is that once you have accepted an offer from an accredited university or college, this will be enough proof that you intend to study. An entry clearance officer will no longer make an educational judgement about the suitability of your course.
Your institution will be known as your ‘sponsor’ under this system, even though there is (usually) no financial support involved. You can change courses once you have arrived, as long as you stay with the same institution – otherwise you’ll have to re-apply for your visa.
Under a Tier 4 Student visa, you’ll still be able to work part-time for up to 20 hours per week, and you can still bring dependents with you.
Once you graduate in the UK, you may be able to apply for a Tier 1 visa. This replaces the current International Graduates Scheme and Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme. The Post-Study Work sub-category of this scheme allows the brightest foreign students (who have studied in the UK) to work after graduation, without having a sponsor. This visa will be valid for 2 years, at which point you may be able to switch into another sub-category or tier to remain in the UK.
Ultimately, the new scheme should be a fairer and less bureaucratic way to study and work in the UK. Because the points system is simple, you can easily calculate whether you have enough, or what you can do (such as further English study) to improve your chances of a successful application. The Home Office expects that they will be able to assess applications more quickly, and reject less, under the new scheme.
With extra points awarded for post-graduate study, you’ll have an even better chance for success if you take the opportunity to increase your qualifications. What do you think? Has the new system put you off the idea of studying in the UK? Or do you think it will be a fairer system? You can share your thoughts with our readers in the comment box below.
If you are unsure about any visa issues, whether it’s for the UK or any other study destinations, just talk with one of our StudyLink student counsellors. Their advice is free, and they can help you make the best decision about where to study and how to apply.