Previously, there were 80 different ways highly skilled migrants could come to the UK to work or study. As you can imagine, people were easily confused by this complex system and this sentiment was echoed by critics who labeled the old highly skilled migrant programme (hsmp) as failing to meet government objectives. This was one major driver of hsmp changes. Another driver of changes to hsmp was public pressure on the government to tighten migration controls. The argument is well versed; complaints of increased burden on local services and inability to accurately report the true number of highly skilled workers who had entered the UK under hsmp. This public pressure was, and still is, so strong that the government had to severely raise its estimate of hsmp workers in the UK. This embarrassment to the government forced them to consider hsmp changes more seriously. Another source of embarrassment came when it was reported that 5,000 illegal immigrants had been cleared to work as security staff, employed by the Metropolitan police, Whitehall and ports and airports. Clearly changes to hsmp were needed and fast, but just what hsmp changes could the government implement?
The hsmp changes mean that the 80 previous entry schemes have been replaced by a single one-size-fits-all points-based system. These changes to hsmp mean the creation of a tier based system with different points criteria for each. Under these hsmp changes, Tier 1 is for highly skilled migrants who want to work, train or study in the UK. This group of highly skilled workers are considered to be among the most likely to benefit the economy and following the changes to hsmp are able to accumulate points under the hsmp quite easily. These changes to hsmp mean that Tier 1 applicants will be awarded points based on qualifications, previous earnings, UK experience, age, English language skills and available funds. Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a UK job offer, or who are being transferred by their company from overseas. Tier 3 is for low-skilled workers, who will be restricted by changes to hsmp from entering the UK under hsmp unless specific shortages are identified in the UK labour market. The last of the hsmp changes see the creation of Tier 4 for students and Tier 5 for temporary workers such as entertainers and sportspeople.
Living in the UK
CK and Jones offers advice and services for people who want to live in the UK
Working in the UK
CK and Jones offers advice and services for people who want to work in the UK
Studying in the UK
CK and Jones offers advice and services for people who want to study in the UK
Life in the UK
CK and Jones has fantastic resources for the life in the UK test
Please note CK and Jones is not currently providing any immigration advice until we become regulated by the OISC. Please browse our visa information sections in the meantime and use the contact us page to leave us a message.
