To the point: the employer guide to the UK's new points-based immigration system

The UK's points-based immigration system comes into full effect on 1st January 2021 when the Brexit transition period ends. From this point forward, all businesses looking to hire migrant workers from anywhere in the world will do so through the points-based system.

This will be a marked change for UK firms as many will never have needed to engage with an employer sponsorship system or navigate complex visa processes. CBI research indicates that under one in ten (8%) of firms that intend to use the new system understand and are prepared to use it, whilst around half (47%) say that they don’t fully understand it and don’t know how to prepare.

Delays to government updating the Immigration Rules and opening the new routes for applications mean that it is too late for businesses that are not already licensed sponsors to be ready for 1st January. However, it is imperative that businesses begin preparations now if they anticipate needing to hire from abroad from 2021.

To support UK firms in this endeavour, the CBI has collaborated with Deloitte to produce an employer-focussed guide to the new system. This guide highlights the core detail that firms need to know about the system and provides practical advice on how best to engage with it.

Our guide will help you to:

• Understand the new system in full and judge whether you will need to use it
• Navigate the sponsor licence application process
• Apply for visas for your migrant workers
• Put in place record keeping mechanisms to ensure you comply with complex Home Office rules

To the point has been designed to be relevant to all businesses, whether you are an experienced user of the Tier 2 non-EU visa system or completely new to a sponsorship-based immigration system.

Jump to the section you're most interested in:

• What is changing with the move to the PBS
• How to apply for a sponsor licence 
• How much it costs to use the PBS
• More about the Skilled Worker route
• What is changing for Intra-company transfers

Time is also running out to encourage your existing EU national employees to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Learn everything you need to know about the EUSS in our new guide.