About the changes This page explains what you need to do if you have existing leave to enter or remain under a category which will be abolished when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. If the leave you have is in a category that currently lead to settlement, this page also explains how you will be able to continue towards that aim. If you are already in the United Kingdom, you will be able to complete your period of leave, providing you continue to meet the terms of your leave. If you have already been granted entry clearance abroad, but have not yet entered the United Kingdom you will still be able to enter the United Kingdom and complete your period of leave. If you have been granted a period of leave of over six months, you will be able to leave and re-enter during your period of leave. However, if you have been granted less than six months leave, you will not be able to re-enter under one of the abolished categories and you will need to apply again under the full requirements of the points-based system. Applications for work permits posted after Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced will not be accepted (unless you are a Bulgarian or Romanian national). Couriered applications and those sent electronically must be received on the day before Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced. If you already have a work permit you should continue to apply for leave to enter or remain under the immigration rules relating to work permits, which will remain in force after Tier 2 and Tier 5 are launched. For further information, you should see the guidance. If you are currently on a multiple entry work permit, you cannot apply under the transitional arrangements. If you want to continue working in the United Kingdom after your current leave expires, you must return to your normal country of residence and make a fresh application. This application will be subject to the full points-based system criteria. There are no transitional arrangements for the following categories, as no extensions are allowed and they do not lead to settlement: - The Working Holiday Maker scheme
- The Japan Youth Exchange scheme
- Gap year entrants working in United Kingdom schools concession
The following table explains the transitional arrangements for all other categories which will be abolished when Tiers 2 and 5 of the points-based system are introduced: | What is my current category? | Which transitional arrangement should I use? | Which type of sponsor licence will my employer require? | Will I be able to make an application to extend my leave after Tiers 2 and 5 of the Points Based System are introduced? | Which application form do I use? | | Work permit holder -business and commercial (except senior care workers) | A | Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Representative of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation | A | Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Member of airport-based operational ground staff of an overseas owned airline | A | Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Jewish Agency Employee | A | Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Minister of Religion | B
| Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Missionary | B
| Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Work permit holder - sports and entertainments (sportsperson) | C
| Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Work permit holder - business and commercial (senior care workers) | D
| Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 | | Visiting Religious worker | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | Religious worker in a non -pastoral role | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | International Association for the Exchange of Students of Technical Experience (IAESTE) | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | International Fire Fighter Fellowship Programme | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | EU Leonardo da Vinci Programme | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | China Graduate Work Experience programme | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | Voluntary worker
| E | None | No | FLR(O) | | Exchange teacher or language assistant | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | Research assistant to a Member of Parliament
| E | None | No | FLR(O) | | Au Pair placement | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) student | E
| None | No | FLR(O) | | Member of a religious order | F
| None | No | FLR(O) | Rudolf Steiner concession
| F | None | No | FLR(O) | | Private servant in a diplomatic household | F
| None | No | FLR(O) | | Overseas Government Employee | F
| None | No | FLR(O) | | Work permit holder - Medical Training Initiative (MTI) | G
| None | No | WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you)
| | Work permit holder - Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) | G
| None | No | WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you) | | Work permit holder - General Agreement in Trade in Services (GATS) | G
| None | No | WP1X (your employer) and FLR(IED) (you)
| | Work permit holder - sports and entertainments (entertainer) | H | Tier 2 | Yes | Tier 2 |
|
