UK Points System

Yes, it is still possible. The Skills Shortage list is a part of Tier 2 of the new UK Points based system. If your job is not on the list, your prospective employer may still be able to sponsor you. They must be approved by the government to sponsor people under the Tier 2 program. Then they have to prove that there are no suitable UK or EU candidates that can fill the job.

One of the biggest obstacles facing prospective skilled migrants to the UK is actually finding a job before you arrive. Most people don't want to make the move until they have a job lined up for that extra bit of security of a job waiting for them. But, people find that it's practically impossible to find a job while living outside the UK. The new UK Points Based System will help fix this major roadblock for UK immigration.

The reason it's so hard to find a job while living outside of the UK is that employers don't want to sponsor prospective employees. The red tape and cost involved in sponsoring a migrant to come to the UK outside of the HSMP program is so complicated that most job postings simply say "Do not apply for this job unless you are authorized to work in the UK." Employers have to prove that no one in the UK and the European Union is available to do the job you want. Imagine how difficult that is! The only option for those wishing to come to the UK under the current work permit system is to simply apply for entry under the HSMP or Highly Skilled Migrant Program and search for a job upon arrival.

The UK government has realized the ineffectiveness of this program and has endeavored to fix it under the new Australian-style Points Based System. How will they do this? Well, Tier 2 under the new Points System will be replacing the current UK work permits system. Basically, the UK government is setting up a new system that will make is easier for an employer to fill a vacancy with talent from around the world.

A new body has been set up called the Skills Advisory Body and their job is to maintain a list of in demand UK jobs that are not being filled by UK based employees. Prospective job applicants will get points based on how in demand their prospective job is. An employer will be able to sponsor you and as long as you fulfill the other points requirements, such as: English Speaking ability, Degree Qualifications, and Prospective Earnings.

So, basically if you have a good degree qualification, good prospective earnings and have a job offer in a needed field, you are eligible to be sponsored by a UK based employer. This will make it a lot easier to find a job while living outside the United Kingdom, it tears down barriers for highly skilled migrants to Immigrate to England with a more solid footing on the ground.

The Tier 2 Sponsorship System will also allow you to switch between employers, as long as you can pass the points test again. Another great feature of a Tier 2 UK Work Permit is that it's a route to permanent settlement in the UK. After living in the UK for five years, you'll be eligible for permanent residency and will be able to apply for UK Citizenship.

There will be more on the new Tier 2 UK Work Permit Sponsorship System as well as the other Tiers in the upcoming eBook we're writing, the UK Immigration Points Based System eBook. Eventually we also hope to provide UK job postings for UK Employers willing employ migrants from overseas.