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The UK Points Based Immigration System
The UK Points Based Immigration System is a 5 Tier scheme designed to modernise and strengthen the UK Immigration system. At present only Tier 1 (Highly Skilled Workers) has been introduced with the remaining 4 Tiers expected to be introduced starting around September 2008.
Once fully operational the 5 Tiers will be:
- Tier 1: Highly skilled workers not requiring a offer of employment
- Tier 2: Skilled workers requiring an offer of employment
- Tier 3: Low skilled workers required to fill labour shortages
- Tier 4: Students
- Tier 5: Temporary workers satisfying non economic objectives e.g. Working Holidaymakers
If you are considering working as a freelance contractor in the UK call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 to find out how we can help or Submit your details and we will get right back to you. We work with OISC registered immigration firms that deals with Immigration applications. Using an OISC registered immigration expert can save a lot of time and effort!
Tier 1 Immigration Applications
There are 4 subcategories within Tier 1 Immigration:- Tier 1 (General) Category: Designed for highly skilled workers that wish to work in the UK. It is effectively the same as the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs) Category: For those looking to invest £200,000 + in the UK
- Tier 1 (Investors) Category: For those looking to invest £1m + in the UK
- Tier 1 (Post Study Workers) Category: For graduates of UK Academic Institutions. This category replaces the International Graduate Scheme. Unlike the other sub categories the visa is only intended as a transitional route to another Immigration category.
Tier 1 Work Visa holders are free to seek employment anywhere in the United Kingdom; there is no requirement to gain an offer of employment, unlike Tier 2 applications. Holders are granted an initial 3 year stay which may be extended for a further 2 years upon approval. However not all applicants under Tier 1 Immigration are granted 3 years of stay. Post Study Workers are only granted 2 years, which is not extendable. Post Study Workers (formerly IGS visa holders) are expected to transfer to another Tier of the Points Based Immigration System in that time.
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