Points based visa system introduced in the UK

The United Kingdom has announced a new system based on the accumulation of points that will allow entrepreneurs, investors, and general skilled labor to obtain visas. Applications will need to be submitted for the program and each will be evaluated and awarded points depending on how questions on the form are answered. There will be questions pertaining to the applicant's education level and their salary history. Knowledge of the English language will also factor into the application.

This new points based system being introduced will replace a previous program called the Highly Skilled Migrant program that had two parts and was far more complicated. Applicants can easily fill out the new application and calculate on their own how many points they would receive and how likely it might be they would be awarded a visa by submitting the application.

Border and Immigration Mister Liam Byrne stated in regard to the program that "The introduction of the Tier 1 of the Points Based System is good for those wanting to work in Britain and good for the UK economy. We are clear that we will not tolerate any abuse of our systems. That is why we have introduced fingerprint technology to check all visa applicants, a new force to police our borders and new rules that ban anyone using false documents or deception from the UK for up to ten years."

In the next year the program will accommodate those looking for short term work in the country such as an entertainer or athlete.

www.ukvisas.gov.uk