What these Immigration Reforms mean to you?

Here is what they mean at this point of time.

• Visa Application Process: You will be able to use these new immigration routes from 1 january 2021. You can apply and pay for your visa online as per guidelines. It is also essential to provide your biometric information and photo at an overseas visa application centre..  

• For Skilled Workers: Applicants from this category need to have a job offer sponsored by an approved employer. The required skill level for your should be equal to A level (RQF3 or Above). Immigrants should be able to speak English and be paid the relevant salary.

• Global Talent Scheme: This category will presently open for EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens. Highly qualified scientists and researcher applicants can come to the United Kingdom even without a job offer under the Global Talent Scheme.

• International Students & Graduates: Students would be required to acquire 70 points under the new system. They should also have an offer from an UK approved educational institution. International students should also be able to speak English and financially support themselves during the course of study. 

• Visiting The UK: Indians wanting to visit the UK will now have to apply online. You can book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre at the nearest facility. They will have to pay the required visa fee online and provide the necessary documents. Consulting a trusted visa consultant will help you ease the process.

• For EU Citizens: Proving your immigration status in the UK will be the new challenge. However, you can use the available online service to review your immigration status and fulfill what is required. Passports and identity cards of EU citizens will be accepted as evidence until 30 June 2021.

Non-EU citizens residing in the UK will be able to use physical documents to verify their identity.

How UK Immigration reforms match the Canadian-Style points-based system?

Starting from January 2021, the United Kingdom is implementing a Canada-styled points-based immigration system. As per this, immigrants will not only need to have a work contract with a permit to enter, but will also have to qualify under a new points system.

Notable Differences Between the UK & Canadian Points-Based System

The UK’s new immigration law comes from ideas put forward by Prime Minister Boris Johnson when he campaigned for work visas in 2019. The UK will now give priority to highly skilled individuals with academic, scientific, and technology-related qualifications.

The UK will now issue visas only to those obtaining more than 70 points that are the minimum required to apply. As stated in the table above, these individuals will be assessed based on their specific professions, salaries, qualifications, and skills.

• English skills and receiving a job offer in the field of training by an approved sponsor will be the criteria for awarding the first 50 points.
• Other criteria like the minimum wage threshold, jobs in labour shortage occupations, and/or a PhD in relevant field of work will provide the remaining points required. 

Such immigration reforms are the responsibility of any country hoping to develop immigration policies that best suit their interest. It would be very interesting to follow and examine the outcomes of the UK’s recent immigration laws in the coming years.