UK ELIGIBILITY

UK ELIGIBILITY POINTS CALCULATOR

The government of UK announced the launch of a points-based immigration system from January 2021.  The main features of the points-based migration include:

·       Immigration candidates for both EU and non-EU nations will be treated the same way

·       Highly skilled workers, skilled workers and students wanting to come to the UK must follow the points-based system

·       A job offer is mandatory for skilled workers

·       Salary threshold will now be 26,000 pounds per year, reduced from 30,000 pounds required earlier

·       Applicants must prove that they can speak English (A-level or equivalent)

·       Highly skilled workers will need to be endorsed by a UK body, however they do not need a job offer

·       Students will also come under the points- based system to study in the UK and must show proof of an admission letter from an educational institute, English proficiency and funds.

·       70 points is the minimum score required to be eligible for a visa

A job offer and the ability to speak English will get the applicant 50 points. The additional 20 points required to qualify for the visa can be gained through any of the following qualifications:

·       Having a job offer that pays you 26,000 pounds or above per year will give you 20 points

·       10 points for a relevant PhD or 20 points for a PhD in a STEM subject

·       20 points for an offer for a job where there is a skill shortage

The new system is expected to increase migration opportunities for skilled workers.  The change in the English language requirements is expected to give British employers access to a larger pool of skilled workers.

The government’s decision to remove the cap on immigrants who can come to the UK under the skilled route and the lack of a resident labor market test will help skilled immigrants easily find a job in the country.

This new system will be applicable to all migrants to the UK whether from the EU or other countries. The implementation of a points-based system will enable the government to utilize a uniform immigration system based on skills.

In addition to the abovementioned three mandatory requirements to be met, the job offered in the UK must meet the minimum salary threshold, as applicable. Now, this can be either the general salary threshold of £25,600, or the specific salary requirement, that is, the “going rate” for their occupation. Whichever is the higher of the two will be applicable.

Certain characteristics – such as, a job offer in a shortage occupation, a PhD relevant to the job, or a PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job – can be traded against a lower salary to get the required number of points to be eligible.

Different salary rules are applicable for – “new entrants” at the start of their career, and workers in certain health or education jobs.

Recommended by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), the Shortage Occupation List consists of skilled jobs that have an identified national shortage that can, at least in part, be filled through immigration.

If your job is on the Shortage Occupation List, you might be paid 80% of the usual going rate of the job to qualify for a UK Skilled Worker visa.

There is a different list of shortage occupations for those working in education or healthcare.