The UK government has provided additional information on the points-based immigration system.

The UK Department of the Interior has published additional information on the points-based immigration system, which will apply to both EU / EEA and third-country nationals starting January 1, 2021.

The main points are as follows:

1. To replace an existing Tier 2 (General) visa, a Skilled Worker visa is introduced.

Starting next year, skilled workers must score at least 70 points to apply for a job in the UK. All candidates will have to

(A) receive a job offer from a sponsor approved by the Ministry of the Interior,

(B) have qualifications of RQF Level 3 and above,

(C) speak english.

Compliance with these requirements will allow candidates to score a total of 50 points. To have 70 points, candidates must either reach the appropriate salary level or have a PhD in the relevant field.

Additional requirements for quoting or testing a candidate in the labor market are not provided.

2. Holders of an existing Tier 2 (General) visa will need to apply for a Skilled Worker visa if they change employers or extend their legal stay in the country after the authorities completely close the Tier 2 (General) visa.

3. The minimum standard annual salary will be 25,600 pounds; however, the minimum wage threshold can be set below this level for workers in the health and education sectors, as well as for workers just starting out. Beginners will be allowed to have a salary of 70% of what their colleagues earn in similar positions, but the minimum annual salary will be limited and should be at least £ 20,480 a year.

The new visa will allow doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to apply for expedited processing of documents, lower fees and additional support in the application process.

4. Changes will be made to the rules of ICT transfers. According to them, foreign citizens will not have the right to maintain ICT status for a period exceeding five years, RQF6 qualifications will still be required, the requirement for English will be excluded. Applicants must have been with the parent company for at least 12 months before the date of transfer (or three months in the case of graduate trainees). It is possible to convert ICT visas to Skilled Workers visas.

5. A new visa for graduates, allowing foreign students to stay and work in the UK for two years (three years for candidates of science), will be offered next summer. Holders of a visa of this category will be able to work at any professional level and will be able to convert a visa as soon as they find a long-term job.