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UK's New Point-Based Immigration System | Comparison with Canada Express Entry


The UK is all set to launch its New Point-based immigration which is a bit similar to Canada's Express Entry. Learn below what is the difference between the both immigration systems.


Great Britain’s new immigration law is the result of ideas put forward in 2019 when Prime Minister Boris Johnson campaigned for work visas to be reserved for people with at least the equivalent of secondary education, a good level of English, a promise of employment and a minimum annual wage.


In changing its immigration system, the UK will give priority to highly skilled individuals, such as those with scientific, academic, and technology-related qualifications.


Under the new system, foreign nationals applying to work in the UK will have to meet a number of criteria.


Individuals will be assessed based on their specific skills, qualifications, salaries, or professions, and visas will only be issued to those who have obtained the 70 points required to apply for a visa.


The first 50 points are awarded for a candidate’s English skills, and for receiving a job offer in their field of training from an approved sponsor.


To get the remaining required points, other criteria will have to be met, such as a minimum wage threshold, a job in an occupation where there is a labor shortage, or a Ph.D. in a field relevant to their work.


Here is the UK’s new points-based immigration system breakdown (70 points needed):

  • Job offer *required (20 points);

  • Job has a relevant skill level *required (20 points);

  • English language knowledge * required (10 points);

  • Job has a salary of £23, 040- £25, 599  (10 points);

  • Job has a salary of over £25, 600 (20 points);

  • Job on shortage occupation list (20 points)

  • An applicant with a Ph.D. (10 points); and

  • An applicant with a Ph.D. in science, technology, math, and engineering (20 points).

Comparison with Canada Express Entry

Highly skilled foreign workers who have never lived in Canada before and who submit a profile through Express Entry—an immigration application management system—under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for instance, must score at least 67 points.


In order to qualify for Canadian immigration in the economic class, it is not necessary to have a job offer or a certain salary threshold. Also, in-Canada immigration candidates with work experience in any skilled occupation may be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system. Canada has both federal and provincial economic immigration pathways, and each has its own unique work experience criteria. Certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are open to candidates in specific lines of work that support regional labor needs.




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