Part of the points-based system, the T1 visa, comes to effect today in the UK, to replace the in-country Highly Skilled Migration Programme (HSMP) application. T1 visa overseas will roll out later this year around the world.

The Guardian reports:

The new regime involves tougher penalties for employers who employ illegal immigrants. But it also involves simplifying the system used to determine whether foreigners are allowed into the country to work.

Until now there have been 80 different routes people could use to apply to come to Britain to work or study. Instead there will be a points-based system, with applicants divided into five categories.

The first tier, affecting highly skilled workers, is being rolled out now. From today people in this category already living in Britain – around 14,000 last year – will be assessed using the new system when applying to extend their stay.

Read the full report.