Immigration: a guide for employers

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This information sheet has been developed as a guide to employing migrant workers for UK employers.

The new points based system will replace work permits. It is designed to ensure that only skilled workers come to the United Kingdom, and only when needed. Employers will act as sponsors of migrants and will be able to recruit from abroad if necessary.

The points based system is made up of 5 tiers:

• tier 1 - highly skilled workers, for example scientists and entrepreneurs;
• tier 2 - skilled workers with a job offer, for example teachers and engineers;
• tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages, for example construction workers for a particular project;
• tier 4 - students;
• tier 5 - youth mobility and temporary workers for example musicians coming to play in a concert.

The points based system applies to all migrant workers from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. To work in the UK, migrants will need to pass a points based assessment.

The amount of points required will depend on the tier, but points will be awarded to reflect the migrant's ability, experience, age and when appropriate the level of need within the sector the migrant will be working. If an employer wishes to recruit a migrant under tiers 2, 4 or tier 5 they will have to apply for a sponsor licence.

To employ workers from the EEA or Switzerland you do not need permission, with some restrictions.

For more information about how the immigration system affects employers, download this information sheet now »

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