For those wishing to enter the UK to study or work, the Australian-style Points Based System (PBS) following its introduction in the UK in early 2008 published the rules for highly skilled foreign workers applying to come to the UK. What was previously numerous complicated established routes of entering the UK is now one system of five tiers allowing entry to the UK creating a more straightforward and efficient process as well as assisting with managing migration.
- Tier 1 (General) Migrant of the PBS got underway for foreign nationals living in the UK on 29 February 2008 and replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). On 30 June 2008 three additional sub-tiers were rolled-out and extended to include applicants resident overseas;
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) for those investing in the UK by setting up or taking over and being actively involved in the running of a business,
- Tier 1 (Investor) for high net worth individuals making a substantial financial investment in the UK,
- Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) aimed to retain the most able international graduates who have studied in the UK replacing the previous International Graduate Scheme.
- Tier 2 (General) launched worldwide on 27 November 2008 for sponsored skilled workers including those coming to fill shortage occupations.
- Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer) for established employees of a multi national company being transferred to a skilled job in the UK based branch of the same organisation.
- Tier 2 (Ministers of Religion) for those entering the UK to work as a minister of religion, missionary or member of religious order.
- Tier 2 (Sportspeople) for those elite sports persons or coaches whose employment in the UK would make a significant contribution to the development of sport at the highest level.
- Tier 4 (General) Student and Tier 4 (Child) Student rolled-out on 31 March 2009 catering for international students.
- Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) for sponsored young people from participating countries seeking to experience life in the UK replacing the previous working holiday maker category.
- Tier 5 (Temporary Workers) for those coming to the UK as sportspeople, entertainers or creative artists for short periods of time, primarily to perform, compete or otherwise take part in one or a series of events; to work temporarily in the UK as voluntary workers for a charity; as a religious worker in a non-pastoral role, where the duties include performing religious rites but not preaching to a congregation, or as a visiting religious worker; as migrants coming through approved schemes aimed at sharing knowledge, experience and best practice; and those under contract to provide a service that is covered under international law, including GATS, similar bilateral agreements, employees of overseas governments and international organisations, and the provision for private servants in diplomatic households.
