Certificate of Sponsorship

The largest overhaul of the UK's immigration system for over 45 years has now been instigated with the launch of the Points-Based System. Under the Points Based System the 80 or so established routes of entry into the UK are being replaced with a system that allows entry under one of 5 Tiers.

Overseas Workers Legal Service are fully versed on the Points Based System. Our team is able to assist both employers and individuals with applications under the Points Based System, as well as assisting employers with sponsor registration. The categories under the Points-Based System include:

Ø  Tier 1 (General), catering for highly skilled migrants. Tier 1 (General) was launched worldwide on 30 June 2008 and now replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

Ø  Tier 1 (Investor), catering for high net worth individuals making a substantial financial investment in the UK. Tier 1 (Investor) was launched on 30 June 2008 and replaced the previous investor category.

Ø  Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), catering for individuals investing in the UK by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of one or more businesses in the UK. Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) was launched on 30 June 2008 and replaced the entrepreneur category.

Ø  Tier 1 (Post-Study Work), catering for international graduates who have studied in the UK. Tier 1 (Post Study Work) was launched on 30 June 2008 and replaced the previous International Graduate Scheme.

Ø  Tier 2 (General), catering for sponsored skilled workers from outside if the EEA. Tier 1 (General) has replaced the existing work permit scheme.

Ø  Tier 2 (Ministers of Religion) catering for those coming to the UK as a religious worker with recognised religions and intending to preach to their community and/or perform a pastoral role.

Ø  Tier 2 (Sports People) catering for elite sports persons or coaches who intend to base themselves in the UK, are internationally established at the highest level, and whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK.

Ø  Tier 4, catering for international students. Tier 4 is expected to be launched in 2009 and will replace all of the current student categories.

Ø  Tier 5 (Youth Mobility scheme), catering for young people seeking to temporarily come and experience life in the UK and will replace the Working Holidaymakers category.

Ø  Tier 5 (Temporary Workers - Religious Workers), catering for ministers of religion coming to the UK on a temporary basis as a religious worker in a non-pastoral role, where duties include performing religious rites, but not preaching to a congregation.

If you are on a Student Visa in the UK, you must have graduated at a degree level before ‘switching’ to work within the UK.

- Employers Advice
- Working Holiday Maker
- Training / Work Experience scheme