Working in the UK

Amendments introduced to the immigration rules in April 2011 have significantly reduced available routes for economic migration to the UK.  Tier 1 (General), previously known as the highly skilled migrant programme, is closed for new applications.  However, those who hold a valid leave to enter or remain in this category can apply for extension of stay, or for settlement after five years.

Tier 1 (Post Study Work) route remains open until April 2012 for applications either from within or outside the UK.

More generous than ever provisions are set for Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs) and some investors can benefit from the new rules on accelerated settlement.

Tier 2 (General) has been capped for new immigrants to 20,700 places for the calendar year from 6 April 2011 to 5 April 2012. The "cap" does not apply to jobs with salaries over £150,000 per year, or to those who are already in the UK labour market.

Tier 5 provides a route for temporary migration permitting short term employment in specific areas.  This route does not lead to settlement in the UK, but in some limited circumstances allows switching to Tier 2 in country.
There are some limited possibilities for working in the UK outside the Points Based System, which cover overseas domestic workers, sole representatives of overseas firms, and commonwealth citizens with UK ancestry.  At present, these routes also lead to settlement after five years.

The government is considering abolishing the route for overseas domestic workers, and limiting leave under Tier 1 and Tier 2 to five years, restricting settlement for a small portion of Tier 1 and Tier 2 migrants. The changes may affect anyone entering the Points-Based System from April 2011!