Posted on December 28 2020
For individuals wishing to move from South Africa to the UK, the introduction of the points-based system which will come into effect from January 2021.
The points-based immigration system will be equally applicable to both EU and non-EU citizens. Those planning to move from South Africa to the UK in 2021 should know about the new immigration system.
Points-based system
The main features of the points-based migration are:
Scoring the 70 points required for visa eligibility
A job offer in the UK and the ability to speak English will get the applicant 50 points. The additional 20 points required to qualify for the visa can be gained through any of the following qualifications:
Category | Maximum points |
Job offer | 20 points |
Job at appropriate skill level | 20 points |
English speaking skills | 10 points |
Salary of 26,000 and above or relevant PhD in a STEM subject | 10 + 10 = 20 points |
Total | 70 points |
Visa options for moving to the UK for work
Skilled professionals from South Africa can come to the UK under the Tier 2 visa program. If their occupation is listed in the Tier 2 shortage occupation list, they can come to the UK on a long-term basis. Popular professions in the occupation list belong to the IT, finance, engineering fields.
There are two main routes available to overseas job seekers wishing to work in the UK:
From January 1 2021, the Tier 2 (General) visa will be replaced with the Skilled worker visa.
The Skilled Worker visa will cover more people-The UK Skilled Worker visa was introduced to bring in highly skilled overseas workers into the UK labor market and subsequently take up permanent residence in the UK.
With this visa, skilled workers from other countries can be selected based on the shortage occupation list and they will be eligible to get an offer letter without the labor market test and stay in the UK for up to 5 years.
The skill level threshold will be lower-At present job roles that require a Degree or Master’s qualification are eligible for sponsorship (RQF level 6 roles) but with the Skilled Worker visa, sponsorship will be available to even lower-skilled workers (RQF level 3).
Baseline minimum salary requirement will be lower-Since the skill threshold has been lowered, the baseline salary requirements will be reduced. The employer will have to pay a minimum salary of 25,600 pounds or the ‘going rate’ for the position, whichever is higher.
Flexibility to acquire the required points-The Skilled Worker visa is based on a points system; so, you can use the various points criteria to your advantage to get the required number of points to apply for this visa. You need 70 points to qualify for this visa.
Eligibility requirements for the Skilled Worker visa
Benefits of the Skilled worker visa
Visa options for moving to the UK to study
The Tier 1 visa offers two categories for setting up a business in the UK:
Tier 1 Innovator Visa
Tier 1 Startup Visa
Tier 1 Innovator Visa-This visa category is open to experienced businesspersons and intends to encourage them to set up innovative businesses in the UK. The investor must make a minimum investment of 50,000 pounds and the business must be endorsed by an endorsing body.
You will be eligible for this visa if you:
Features of the innovator visa
Tier 1 Startup Visa
This visa category exclusively caters to entrepreneurs with high potential who are starting a business for the first time.
The application for this visa can be submitted three months before your intended date of travel to the UK. Other eligibility requirements include:
Features of the Startup visa
Visa options to move to the UK for higher studies
You can move to the UK on a Tier 4 visa in case they are opting for a full study program. However, if you opt for English language courses or other training courses, you are eligible to apply for a short-term study visa.
The visa will allow individuals to stay in the UK for up to five years. After five years if they meet some additional requirements, they will be eligible for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), which would allow them to live in the UK permanently.
The partner and children of ancestry visa holders can come with them to the UK.
To choose the right visa option which will help you to migrate from South Africa to the UK in 2021, take the help of an immigration consultant who will provide you with the right guidance.
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