UK visas: How does the points-based immigration system work?
fference between the number of people entering and leaving the UK has reached an all-time high in the year to June 2022.
Downing Street insists that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wants to bring overall immigration levels down.
In the year ending June 2022, an estimated 1.1m came to the UK and 560,000 departed.
means net migration (the difference between people arriving and leaving) stood at an estimated 504,000.
represents a record high and an increase of 331,000 on the previous year (ending June 2021).
Office for National Statistics (ONS), which compiles the figures, said the rise was driven by non-EU migrants, specifically students, and the resumption of post-pandemic travel.
It also said the war in Ukraine, the resettlement of Afghans and the new visa route for Hong Kong British nationals had all contributed.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman says she wants to reduce net migration to the "tens of thousands".
Official immigration data gathering was disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic. Estimates from June 2020 are based on different data sets and are not comparable with earlier years.
Before Brexit, European Union and UK citizens had the freedom to live and work in any other EU country without needing a work visa.
However, freedom of movement between the two came to an end on 1 January 2021.
In the year ending June 2022, net EU migration was -51,000. This means more EU nationals left the UK than arrived.
Net migration of non-EU nationals, on the other hand, was +509,000.
re was a net increase of +45,000 British nationals. The ONS said this figure included some British nationals arriving from Hong Kong as well as those returning during the pandemic.
Many Brexit supporters - including Ms Braverman - say leaving the EU has given the UK more control over migration policy.
Sir Keir Starmer has ruled out restoring freedom of movement and says the UK must wean itself off "immigration dependency".
However, the CBI - the UK's biggest business group - says immigration is needed to solve worker shortages and boost economic growth.
Most people wanting to work in the UK have to apply for a visa through a points-based system (PBS).
A points system was first adopted by the Labour government in 2008 and applied to migrants from non-EU countries. It was then overhauled by the Conservatives after the Brexit vote.
urrent PBS - which covers EU and non-EU migrants - was launched at the end of 2020. 
Applicants need enough points to qualify for a skilled worker visa.
A total of 70 points is required. Attributes like: English skills; qualifications; and being under 26 all count towards the total.
Having an offer of a skilled job from an approved employer and being able to speak English would give 50 points for example.
A further 20 points would also be awarded if the applicant's job pays at least £25,600 a year.
re are some exceptions. Certain jobs in health or education, for example, will still award 20 points even if the salary is less than £25,600.
rd fee for a skilled visa is usually between £625 and £1,423.
If granted, the visa will last for up to five years before it needs renewing.
A "shortage occupation list" exists to help employers fill certain roles. These jobs have a lower salary threshold, making it easier for applicants to gain the required number of points.
Jobs currently on the list include:
government updates the list based on advice from an independent group of experts - called the Migration Advisory Committee.
mporary work, like fruit picking, is covered by a seasonal worker visa.
Up to 40,000 of these visas are issues each year. However, the National Farmers' Union argues this number is too small and needs to increase to 70,000.
Workers who are granted a visa must be paid at least £10.10 an hour.
re is no limit on international students coming to the UK under the student visa application system. However, Ms Braverman has suggested she wants to reduce the number of partners and children who come to the UK with students.
Students who have already completed their degree can stay in the UK for two years under a graduate visa.