Introduction

The United Kingdom is one of the most sought-after destinations for professionals across the globe to build their careers. The reason behind it is its progressive economy that has created multiple job opportunities in several fields. To work in the United Kingdom, you need to secure a work permit or a work visa, which gives you permission to live and work in the country legally. This article throws light on the new work visa policy implemented by the United Kingdom government to attract highly skilled professionals from different fields.

New work visa system

As of December 1, 2020, the United Kingdom government has implemented a new points-based system for work visas. This new system focuses on attracting the most highly skilled and talented professionals from different fields globally. The new points-based system has multiple routes for professionals to gain entry into the United Kingdom based on their skills and potential contributions to the UK economy. The system is divided into two categories based on your employment status, job type, and job qualifications.

The skilled worker route

The Skilled worker route opened on 1 December 2020, replacing the Tier 2 (General) route. The primary focus of the new system is to allow skilled workers in the United Kingdom to work in most fields, and a minimum of RQF3 (Regulated Qualifications Framework) is required. The RQF3 contains A-levels, T-levels, and International Baccalaureate subjects. One of the changes in the new system is that the United Kingdom has removed the cap on the number of people who can come to the country under the skilled worker route. This means that the people coming to the UK will no longer have to compete against each other for a limited number of visas.

Intra-company transfer route

The Intra-company transfer route is for the employees of a business where the company has a subsidiary, branch, or parent company in the United Kingdom. The applicant must have been employed by the overseas business for at least 12 months or, in some cases, for nine months for those earning over ￡73,900. The company must also hold a Sponsorship License issued by the United Kingdom government. There is no requirement for the company to conduct a Resident Labor Market Test or assign a Certificate of Sponsorship before the employee can apply for a visa.

Global talent route

The Global talent route is for highly skilled professionals who have been recognized as leaders or potential leaders in the fields of science, medicine, engineering, humanities, digital technology, and arts & culture. This visa is given to those people who have the potential to make a significant contribution in the field of study. The global talent visa is different from the Skilled Worker route as there is no job offer requirement, and applicants are not required to meet a minimum salary level. Applicants who receive endorsements through the Global Talent route may apply for settlement after three years of residency within the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom's new point-based system for the work visa is a significant milestone for the country. Its primary focus is to attract highly skilled professionals globally, which can make a significant contribution to the United Kingdom economy. The system is divided into three categories – skilled worker route, intra-company transfer route, and global talent route, each with its own requirements. The introduction of this new system proves to be a boon for skilled professionals from different fields and all over the world, providing them with an opportunity to work and build their careers in the United Kingdom.