On 9 April 2020 the Home Office released an update for employers on the new points-based immigration system due to take effect from January 2021. Despite the disruption caused by COVID-19, the Home Office still intends to go ahead with the new immigration system within the timeframe outlined in its policy statement released on 19 February 2020.
New points-based system
This update confirms that the new points-based system will apply across the board to EEA/Swiss (EEA) and non-EEA nationals. EEA nationals will still be able to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021 provided that they reside in the United Kingdom before the end of December 2020. EEA nationals who arrive in the United Kingdom from 1 January 2021 onwards will be subject to the rules of the new immigration system.
The policy statement from February 2020 outlined the new points-based system where migrants under the skilled worker route would need 70 points in order to be eligible to make a visa application. Drawing on the existing Tier 2 structure:
• migrants must have a valid job offer;
• the job must be at the appropriate skill level;
• migrants must fulfill the English language requirement; and
• migrants must meet the higher of an occupation-based salary rate or a minimum salary threshold of £25,600.
Due to the introduction of additional ‘tradeable’ points, if the proposed role is on the shortage occupation list or the applicant holds a PhD in a related subject, applicants may still achieve sufficient points despite having a lower salary, as long as this is above a minimum threshold of £20,480.
Source: International Law Office
