On 27th November 2008, the UK Border Agency (UKBA) introduced Tiers 2 and 5 to the Points Based System (PBS) joining the up and running Tier 1 category, which incorporates General Migrants, (formerly the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme), Investors and Entrepreneurs, (formerly businessmen, investor and innovator).
The UKBA is expected to roll out Tiers 3 & 4 in 2009.
Tier 2 now incorporates the Sponsored Skilled Worker category (formerly the Work Permit Scheme), whilst Tier 5 establishes the Youth Mobility Scheme (replacing in part the Working Holidaymaker).
The new Tier 1-5 immigration categories are part of the fundamental shake up by the UK Government of the UK immigration laws.
The new categories are designed to provide a more transparent and simplified UK immigration system.
The UK waived goodbye to a number of previous immigration categories, including:

• the Work Permit Scheme;
• the Training and Work Experience Scheme (commonly known as TWES);
• working holidaymaker;
• businessman;
• innovator;
• investor; and
• retired person of independent means.
  

For some of these categories, an equivalent has been introduced under the PBS, for example the investor, businessman and innovator are now incorporated under the Tier 1 category as Investor and Entrepreneur.
The actual requirements for entry as an Investor or Entrepreneur under the Tier 1 have changed little as compared to the former investor and businessman visas.
However, others, such as the working holidaymaker and retired person of independent means provisions are gone for good, which will have a profound effect on those seeking to enter the UK under those routes.
Prospective UK immigrants should now carefully check to ensure they are applying under the correct category and more importantly the criteria to be met.