Non-EEA nationals

Nationals from countries other than the EEA wishing to come to Scotland to take up employment need to meet certain conditions.

Non-EEA nationals can come and work in Scotland, provided they have an individual visa such as Tier 1 General or Post Study Work or they are sponsored by a UK employer under Tier 2 (fromerly Work permits).

From 6th April 2010

The UK Borders Agency  have proposed changes to Tier 1 and Tier 2.

Tier 1 General 

• Re-introduction of points awarded for a Bachelors degree - 30 points
• minimum salary of £25k required for points for previous earnings
• points awarded for age - points threshold extended to 39 years old
• visa awarded initially for 2 years with a possible 3 year extension

Tier 2 General

• Masters degree will now attract 15 points (increase from 10)
• minimum salary of £20k to attract points for future earnings

Tier 2 intra-company transfer 
this category will now have 3 sub-categories:

• established staff - for employees of at least 12 months experience with the company.
• graduate trainee - for new graduates with at least 3 months experience with their employer
• skills transfer - for new recruits of a company

Check UK Borders Agency for updates