As the United Kingdom transitions away from the European Union, it has introduced a new immigration system. The UK’s points-based immigration system, which came into effect on January 1, 2021, is designed to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy. Central to this new system is the 70-point requirement, which potential immigrants will need to meet to be eligible for a visa to work, study, or live in the UK. This article will delve into the details of the UK’s point-based system, helping you understand how it works and what the 70 points requirement entails.
Understanding the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System
The UK points-based system is a new immigration framework that replaces the freedom of movement rule that existed between the UK and the EU. The system is designed to treat EU and non-EU citizens equally, prioritizing skills and talent over nationality. The system assigns points for specific skills, qualifications, salaries, and professions, and visas are awarded to those who gain enough points.
The 70-Point Requirement
The 70 points requirement is a key aspect of the UK’s points-based immigration system. To be eligible to apply, potential immigrants must meet certain mandatory criteria, which are worth 50 points. They can then earn additional points for other qualifications or attributes, allowing them to reach the 70-point threshold.
Mandatory Criteria
The mandatory criteria, which are non-tradeable, include:
- Job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points)
- Job at an appropriate skill level (20 points)
- Proficiency in English at a certain level (10 points)
These criteria are non-negotiable. If an applicant does not meet all of these, they will not be able to apply, regardless of how many points they might earn from other qualifications.
Tradeable Points
Once the mandatory criteria are met, applicants can earn additional points based on their qualifications, salary, and the sector in which they will be working. These include:
- Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 (10 points)
- Salary of £25,600 or above (20 points)
- Job in a shortage occupation (20 points)
- PhD in a subject relevant to the job (10 points)
- PhD in a STEM subject relevant to the job (20 points)
These points are tradeable, meaning that applicants can mix and match from different categories to reach the 70-point threshold.
Implications of the Points-Based Immigration System
The UK’s points-based immigration system is designed to attract high-skilled workers to the country. By prioritizing skills and qualifications over nationality, the system aims to create a more balanced and fair immigration process. However, it also means that lower-skilled workers may find it more difficult to immigrate to the UK.
Conclusion
The UK’s points-based immigration system represents a significant shift in the country’s approach to immigration. With its focus on skills and qualifications, it aims to attract individuals who can contribute to the UK’s economy. Understanding the 70-point requirement is crucial for anyone considering immigrating to the UK under this new system.
As with any immigration system, it’s important to seek professional advice before applying. The points-based system can be complex, and understanding the nuances can make the difference between a successful application and a rejected one.
