From 1 January 2021, free movement will end and the UK will introduce a points-based immigration system. The new system will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally. Anyone you want to hire from outside the UK, excluding Irish citizens, will need to apply for permission in advance.
Under a points-based immigration system, anyone coming to the UK for work must meet a specific set of requirements for which they will score points. Visas are then awarded to those who gain enough points.\
The Tier 2 cap will be suspended.
Skill Level and Minimum salary Requirements
The minimum skill level is reduced from RQF level 6 (university degree) to level 3 (A-level or equivalent).
Sponsored Workers continue to require a job offer from an approved sponsor (20 points), for a job at an appropriate skill level (20 points) and English language skills at B1 (intermediate) level (10 points).
The standard minimum salary requirement is reduced from £30,000 to £25,600 and the going rate for the occupation (20 points), but with some flexibility:
£23,430 and 90% of the going rate for the occupation for those who have a relevant PhD.
£20,480 and 80% of the going rate for the occupation for those working in jobs on the Shortage Occupation List or in a listed health or education occupation, or who have relevant PhDs in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).
£20,480 and 70% of the going rate for the occupation for new entrants to the labour market.
New entrants will also include those sponsored in postdoctoral research positions and those working towards professional qualifications, registration or chartered status. The criteria for new entrants switching from the Student route are being widened to include those in the route at any time in the two years before the application.
What will happen to Tier 2 general applications
The Tier 2 (General) route is closed to new applications from 1st December 2020. A person who has entry clearance or permission to stay through the Tier 2 (General) route and wishes to extend their stay in the UK can apply for Further Leave, or Settlement, under the Skilled Worker rules providing they meet the requirements.
All Skilled Worker applications, including dependant partner and child applications, which are made on or after 1st December are decided following the new Skilled Worker rules, even where they are accompanied by a Certificate of Sponsorship which was issued under the Tier 2 (General) rules in place before 1st December. Sponsors must provide additional information via a ‘sponsor note’ to allow Certificates of Sponsorship issued before 1st December 2020 to be used for a Skilled Worker application.
