UK Immigration News

28 October 2008

Today Phil Woolas, Minister of State for borders and immigration, announced the go live date for tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system.

Tier 2, relating to skilled workers, replaces the current work permit scheme. Tier 5 covers temporary workers entering the United Kingdom for a short period.

From 27 November 2008 employers wishing to bring non-European Economic Area migrants to the United Kingdom under tiers 2 and 5 will need to be a licensed sponsor. Sponsors will be responsible for issuing certificates of sponsorship to migrants and ensuring that their sponsor obligations are fulfilled. Migrants can then use the certificate of sponsorship to apply for entry clearance.

If you have not yet applied for a sponsor's licence and wish to bring in migrants under tiers 2 and 5 you need to apply for your licence as soon as possible.