How to Relocate to the UK with a Point-Based System for Skilled Workers

Do you know you can relocate to the United Kingdom as a skilled worker with a point-based system? Unknown to many, you don’t have to struggle to relocate to the UK if you understand how this system works.

Pay4Me has made it easier to understand how this point-based system works. According to the UK Visa and Immigration Office, you must be awarded 70 points if you come in as a skilled worker. 

The Point-based Points

·         50 mandatory points

·         20 tradable points.

Mandatory points include:

1. Certificate of Sponsorship (COS) – 20 points

2. A job at the appropriate skill level – 20 points

3. English Language Requirement – 20 points

Tradable Points

The visa officer awards the extra 20 tradable points at their discretion.

How the Point-Based Point System Works

Have you gotten a skilled UK job in Nigeria? To get visa approval, you must meet up with the mandatory point areas 1-3 to enable you to score up to 70 with the tradable points.

While you can easily earn 40 points from numbers 1 and 2 above, however, without the English Language Requirement, you cannot get a visa with the added tradable 20 points. 

You don't need IELTS! However, if you show up with IELTS results, you will lose your opportunity because the only IELTS the UK Visa and Immigration Office will accept for skilled jobs is IELTS UKVI (General Training or Academic).

Furthermore, the English Language Requirement must have a UKVI number to verify your result. 

IELTS UKVI Alternatives

Do not waste your money writing IELTS if you want to work in the UK. You can consider the following:

1.    UK NARIC/ECCTIS Certificate of English Proficiency

2.    Pearson Test for English (PTE) Academic UKVI

3.    Language Cert ESOL Cert.

The UK NARIC 

·         It does not involve any exams.

·         UK NARIC is valid indefinitely, unlike IELTS, which expires after two years.

·         You can have it ready in 2 weeks.

UK NARIC/ECCTIS Certificate Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree Transcript (Your Student Copy is fine). 

2. Bachelor’s Degree Certificate. 

3. Letter of English proficiency from your University. 

NOTE: You cannot apply for UK NARIC with an HND certificate.

Under the points-based immigration system, migrants coming to the UK for work must meet these requirements. The point-based system offers flexible arrangements for the country's employers who want to recruit skilled workers worldwide via different immigration routes.

The UK Labour Market

With the points-based system, the UK labour market can make up for its shortages in different sectors. In addition, it supports local business growth, rebuilds the economy, and helps people get work.

Types of  UK Works for Skilled Workers

1)    Apprenticeships: For entry-level to master's degree-equivalent applicants. It combines practical on-the-job skills training with sustained off-the-job learning. 

2)    T Levels: For 16 to 19-year-old applications. T-Levels offers 45-day industry placement opportunities that allow employers to access the brightest talent entering your market.

3)    Kickstart Scheme: The scheme provides a six-month work placement for 16 to 24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment. 

4)    National Careers Service: It explores skills and work opportunities for employers, including finding skilled workers.

5)    Traineeships: The scheme offers skills development programmes and work placements, and the full programme can last from 6 weeks to 1 year. However, most traineeships last for less than six months.

6)    Sector-based work academy programme (SWAP):  SWAP helps recruit workers with the proper training and skills with fully-funded pre-employment training.

7)    Free qualifications for adults: Adults aged 19 and over without a level 3 qualification (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) or higher can access a fully funded course.

8)    Skills Bootcamps: The Skills Bootcamps help in filling much-needed vacancies. 

The UK Skilled Worker Route

Nigerians can take advantage of the Skilled Worker Route that offers them an opportunity to work in the UK with the point-based system. In addition, the route provides the country access to the global talent pool.

If a company must hire you under this route, it must demonstrate that

·         They have a job offer from a Home Office licensed sponsor (you)

·         The job offer is at the required skill level – RQF 3 or above (A Level and equivalent)

·         They speak English to the required standard

Additionally, the job must meet the applicable minimum salary threshold, which is the higher of either:

1.    The general salary threshold of £25,600, or

2.    The specific salary requirement for their occupation is known as the 'going rate.'

You can trade characteristics with the point-based system, such as our qualification, against a lower salary to earn 70 points. 

People who get jobs less than the minimum salary requirement, but no less than £20,480, may still be eligible if they have:

·         A Ph.D. relevant to the job

·         A job offer in a specific shortage occupation

·         A Ph.D. in a STEM subject relevant to the job

Salary Rules for Workers

 For ’new entrants’  or those in certain health or educational jobs at the start of their careers., here is what you can earn with tradable points:

·         Salary of £20,480 to £23,039 or at least 80% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher): Tradeable 0

·         Salary of £23,040 to £25,599 or at least 90% of the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher): Tradeable 10

·         Salary of £25,600 or above or at least the going rate for the profession (whichever is higher): Tradeable 20

·         Job in a shortage occupation as designated by the Migration Advisory Committee: Tradeable 20

·         Education qualification: Ph.D. in a subject relevant to the job: Tradeable 10

·         Education qualification: Ph.D. in a STEM subject relevant to the job: Tradeable 20

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the rules for everyone else?

You must qualify for 70 points to secure a skilled worker visa. In addition, you must have a job offer from a licensed employer for a skilled job, and being able to speak English will give you 50 points.

·         Also, you can earn the remaining 20 points if they are due to be paid at least £25,600 a year.

·         For having better qualifications (10 points for a relevant Ph.D., or 20 points for a Ph.D. in science, technology, engineering, or maths)

·         A job offer in which the UK has a shortage (20 points), even if it doesn't pay as much.

·         Specific jobs in health or education still merit 20 points even if the salary is less than £25,600. 

·         You must be paid at least £20,480, and in line with set amounts for particular jobs in the UK’s four nations.

How do you apply to work in the UK?

You should apply online or visit a visa application center to prove your identity and show the necessary documents.

How much will it cost?

The application fee depends on how many years you plan to work in the UK and whether the job is on a list of skills that the UK has shortages of.

What about healthcare workers?

This set of workers can use the Health and Care Worker Visas, available for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Applicants pay reduced fees and are supported through the application process.

In Conclusion

Pay4Me offers you seamless cross-border payments for your study or relocation abroad plans. In addition, you can have peace of mind when you make your payments with the app.