Tier 1

Tier 1

Tier 1 visas of the Points Based System is the only tier of the UK's managed migration structure which does not require applicants to have a Certificate of Sponsorship and aims to attract the most talented migrants who will be of most economic benefit to the UK.

From 30th June 2008 all highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors wanting to come to the United Kingdom will be able to apply for their United Kingdom visa under a new Australian style points-based system.
Under the new system, applicants will need to earn points to satisfy the visa service that they can make a positive contribution to the United Kingdom. Points will be awarded for objective criteria such as qualifications, previous earnings, age and United Kingdom experience. Only those with enough points will be able to get a visa.

Tier one replacing the current HSMP is divided into four sub-divisions and applicants may apply under one of the following four categories

General	The General category applies to highly skilled candidates who wish to enter the UK in order to seek and undertake employment. Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. Unlike tier 2 -5, you do not need a job offer or detailed business plan to apply for Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language, and available maintenance (funds) based on a similar set of criteria as the current HSMP
Entrepreneurs	Applicants in this stream will be investing in the UK economy by starting or assuming control of a business. Candidates must also be involved in the day-to-day running of the enterprise concerned.
Investors	The Investor stream of Tier 1 is aimed at individuals making a substantial investment in the UK.
Post-Study Work	The Post Study Work stream provides a short-term bridge to working in the UK for the most talented non-EEA national graduates completing a course of study in the UK.

In all sub-categories of tier one, candidates will be assessed against a specific group of requirements. However, the following general requirements will apply to all streams:
English Language Proficiency - The PBS places emphasis upon competence in the English Language, especially in tier 1.
Self - Sufficiency - All migrants in tier 1 must be able to support both themselves and any dependent family members.

Tier 1 visa applications do not need a sponsor to be in place. The tier one visa application will be a single process whether initiated from inside or outside the UK and applicants will need to submit a range of supporting documentation in order to substantiate their application. Candidates may apply for a tier one visa either to enter the UK, extend a stay, or switch whilst already in the UK.

Tier 1(post study work) is only granted for a maximum of two years which will not count towards permanent settlement in the UK. Candidates who remain in Britain under this category will be obliged to switch their status into another part of the points system as soon as they are able to do so.
Tier 1 General, Investors, or Entrepreneur categories will be granted a three-year visa, with the option to extend this by a further two years if the requirements continue to be fulfilled
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How Work Permits Direct can help

To determine an individual's eligibility and a source of expert help and guidance on making applications all in accordance with current government compliance, simply contact us, We offer FREE advice to determine an individual's eligibility.