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Visa and Immigration Services

Overview of the Points Based System

The UK’s immigration programme operates on a points-based system whereby individuals wishing to come to the UK to work must first satisfy specific requirements and pass a points test calculated across a range of criteria.

Under the points-based system there are five separate categories through which applicants may apply to enter the UK. Each category is referred to as a ‘Tier’, and it should be noted that not all Tiers offer individuals the same entitlements and rights to seek or take up employment.

UK visas and employment in the UK

Individuals applying to enter the UK for the purposes of taking up employment are most likely to need to make an application under either Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the points-based system.

Tier 1 is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the UK to look for work or self-employment opportunities. A prior job offer is not requirement in order to submit an application under the Tier 1 category.

The Tier 2 category is for people coming to the UK with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. Please note that applicants in this category must have a suitable job offer in order to submit a successful Tier 2 application.

UK-based immigration consultancy Visalogic can provide you with comprehensive information about tier 1 visas and tier 2 work permits.

Employer requirements under the points-based system

All UK organisations participating in the employment of overseas workers are required to register with the Home Office and apply for a licence allowing them to employ overseas workers. Registration is compulsory for UK companies who employ overseas workers and failure to register can result in severe penalties including fines and criminal convictions.

For detailed information about employer sponsorship licensing and assistance with the employer registration process we recommend talking to Visalogic - UK work permit and immigration specialists.