«Points will be awarded based on objective criteria such as qualifications, past salary level, age, travel experience to Britain. Only those who score enough points will be able to get a visa», the document says.
According to the embassy, this system, simpler and requiring only one application, will replace the previous two-stage Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. Even before submitting documents, you can independently calculate your points and understand how likely it is to get a visa.
At the same time, British authorities will fight any abuse of the new system, which is sometimes called an «Australian-style system». According to Minister for Borders and Immigration Liam Byrne, to this end the authorities «introduced a fingerprinting procedure for checking visa applications, strengthened border security, established new rules according to which those who submit fake documents or otherwise try to mislead will be banned for various periods of time, including a 10-year period, from applying for a visa».
The statement indicates that only the first tier of the points system has been introduced. «The next two stages, concerning students, skilled workers with a concrete job offer, and temporary workers - such as musicians, actors and athletes - will come into effect next year», the embassy reports.
You can assess your chances of getting a visa using the points calculator located on the website http://www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator.