Tier 2 of the Points Based System (PBS)

Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a job offer.  It has 3 categories - general, ministers of religion and sportspeople.  Employers must register as sponsors and obtain a licence.  Employees score points for their qualifications and prospective earnings as well as their command of English and for having funds to maintain themselves.  Tier 2 is due to go live at the end of November 2008 and will bring about the end of the work permit scheme.