As of this publication, the Points Based System will be gradually introduced from the beginning of 2008. Below is an overview of the structure and planned implementation of the scheme. How it works The finer details of the points based system are yet to be finalised, so some aspects are still subject to change. Please note that the information provided on the Immigration and Nationality Directorate website will be regularly updated over the coming months. A Five Tier Framework will underpin the new migration system. This is intended to offer assistance to applicants and ensure the straightforward navigation of the scheme. Tier 1: Highly skilled individuals to contribute to growth and productivity Tier 2: Skilled workers with a job offer to fill gaps in United Kingdom labour force Tier 3: Limited numbers of low skilled workers needed to fill temporary labour shortages Tier 4: Students Tier 5: Youth mobility and temporary workers: people allowed to work in the United Kingdom for a limited period of time to satisfy primarily non-economic objectives The five tiers will cover all routes of entry for those wishing to enter the United Kingdom to work, study and train. Each if the 5 tiers will have different conditions, entitlements and entry-clearance checks. Tiers 3 and 5 are temporary routes meaning that applicants under these tiers will not be able to change tiers once they are in the United Kingdom. Those in tiers 1, 2 and 4 will be eligible to switch between these tiers subject to meeting the requirements of the tier they wish to switch into. Tiers 1 and 2 will potentially lead to settlement if settlement requirements are met at the time of that application. Dependants will be allowed under tiers 1, 2, 4 and 5. However, dependants will not be allowed to work where they are accompanying a student (tier 4) or a temporary worker (tier 5) who has been given less than 12 months leave in the United Kingdom. Points and structured decision-making For each tier, applicants will need sufficient points to gain entry clearance or leave to remain in the United Kingdom. Points will be awarded according to objective and transparent criteria. In all tiers points will be awarded for control factors which indicate whether the applicant is likely to comply with their immigration requirements in the United Kingdom. In tiers 1 and 2, points will also be awarded for attributes such as age, previous salary or prospective salary and qualifications. Prospective migrants will be able to assess themselves against these criteria to see whether they are likely to have enough points to qualify before paying an application fee. An online self-assessment tool will allow applicants to score themselves against points. The use of points facilitates an objective decision making process. The highly skilled migrants programme is already based on points and provides a structured and objective decision making scheme, at the same time making the process easier for applicant involvement. Timetable Tier 1 of the system, which caters for highly skilled migrants such as scientists and entrepreneurs, will be launched at the beginning of 2008; Tier 2 targeting skilled workers with a job offer and tier 5, for youth mobility and temporary workers, will come on line in the third quarter of 2008; and Tier 4 for students, will follow at the beginning of 2009. Do visit www.EmploymentOverseasLtd.com regularly for updates on the immigration rules. “