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  There are five categories of immigration into the United Kingdom, each with specific requirements and rules regarding employment. The rules do not apply to citizens of European Union member states who have full rights to reside and work in the United Kingdom. This may not be the case with countries that join the European Union after 2010 as the UK government reserves the right to impose transitional arrangements, meaning a temporary limit on immigration for workers from a new member country.
  
  

Tier 1 Skilled Migration

• This is open to people who are already working legally in the United Kingdom. It allows the person to work in the country for two years, in employment or self-employment, without the need to be sponsored by an employer. After two years, the worker can apply for a three-year extension, followed by an application for indefinite leave to remain.
  
  To receive this visa, the applicant must score a set number of points on a system that takes into account qualifications, age, past earnings, English language skills and financial capabilities. The way the points work means that English language competency and having earned the equivalent of £25,000 in the past 12 months are both mandatory requirements, as of June 2010.
  
  

Tier 2 Work Permits

• These are issued to an employer rather than a worker. The main category is for a skilled worker who must be brought into the UK to fill a specific job on a temporary basis for up to three years. Other categories include sports players, religious ministers and employees transferred to the UK branch of a company.
  
  The applicant must pass a similar points assessment as those in tier 1, but the points requirement is lower. Again English language skills are mandatory.
  
  

Tier 3 Temporary migration

• This works in a similar way to tiers 2 but is designed for less-skilled workers. Unlike tiers 1 and 2 it does not lead to the possibility of applying for indefinite leave to remain and is thus a strictly temporary work permit. English language skills are not mandatory for all tier 3 applicants, but may be required for jobs in certain industries.
  
  As of June 2010, tier 3 applications were suspended.
  
  

Tier 4 Student Visa

• This is open to students on full-time study in the United Kingdom. They usually must take an English language course alongside their main studies, show means of financial support, and commit to leaving the UK upon completing their studies. Most people on a tier 4 visa are allowed to work up to 20 hours a week, but this is cut to 10 for those aged under 18 or on courses below degree or foundation level.
  
  

Tier 5 Temporary Worker

• This is similar to tier 3 but covers specific types of work including charity, creative work, sport, and religion, plus government exchanges and international agreement. As with tier 4, they must be sponsored by an employer. There is also a scheme under Tier 5 that allows people aged under 30 to work in the UK for two years being sponsored by their country's government rather than a UK employer.