Changes in the UK Points Based System ahead

United Kingdom, 20th March: The UK government has introduced certain significant changes in the Points Based System of the UK immigration.

This includes making Bachelor degree holders eligible for UK immigration under the Tier 1 visa. Also, some crucial changes for those seeking Tier 2 UK visas have been made. All these changes are in accordance with the guidelines of MAC (Migration Advisory Committee) and will come into effect from 6th April, 2010 onwards.

For those applying under Tier 1 UK visa, the minimum previous earnings have been hiked to 25,000 pounds from the earlier 20,000 pounds.

Both the Tier 1 visa and Tier 2 visas are extremely popular visa options for those seeking UK immigration, but neither of these two visas are easy options for applicants.

 While the UK Tier 1 visa is a high skilled visa that helps people live and work in the UK provided they qualify for this type of UK visa.

The UK Tier 2 visa, on the other hand, requires sponsorship of an employer in the UK for gaining the legal right to work in the UK.

It was only in 2009 that the UKBA (UK Border Agency) had raised the eligibility criteria for Tier 1 UK visa by making a Master’s Degree as the minimum requirement for all applicants. This was done by the UK immigration department to act tough on the growing concerns over UK immigration.

The Minister of State for borders and immigration, Phil Woolas, confirmed in a written statement here on 19th March, 2010 about the changes in the Tier 1 visa and Tier 2 visa.

The changes announced by the UK immigration are likely to simplify the process of seeking Tier 1 visa for high skilled workers, especially those who do not possess a Master’s degree. Also, the changes will make it simple for arrangement of short-term transfers by various multinational companies while ensuring that the vacancies are filled by hiring resident workers on a priority.

For the Tier 2 visa under the UK Points Based system, the changes have been made to make the points table in close alignment with the salary bandings for UK resident skilled workers. The minimum prospective earnings needed now are 20,000 pounds( as compared to 17,000 pounds earlier) while the highest earnings have been fixed at 32,000 pounds( as compared to 24,000 pounds).

However, a new eligibility for the Tier 2 visa is the requirement of a minimum of one year’s company experience for intra-company transferees before transferring into the country (the UK).