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What is Tier 1 of UK Immigration?

Tier 1 of the Governments Points Based Immigration System is designed for highly skilled workers. The new Points Based Immigration System is a 5 tier scheme intended to modernise, strengthen and simplify UK Immigration. Tier 1 of the Points Based Immigration System includes the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) which now effectively forms the ‘General’ sub category of Tier 1 Immigration. For the purpose of this guide this category will be referred to as Tier 1 (HSMP).

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 which are aimed at ‘skilled workers’, as opposed to ‘highly skilled workers’. 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.

To find out more about the Tier 1 including the Tier 1 (HSMP) Work Visa call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you. We work with OISC registered immigration firms that deals with Tier 1 (HSMP) applications. Using an OISC registered immigration expert can save a lot of time and effort!

Immigration Categories replaced by Tier 1

The Tier 1 Immigration category dramatically simplifies UK Immigration as it removes the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), Investors, Self Employed Lawyers, Businesspersons, Writers, Composers and Artists, International Graduates Scheme, Innovators and the Working in Scotland category.

Tier 1 Immigration Sub Categories

There are 4 subcategories within Tier 1 Immigration:

Tier 1 (HSMP) 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.

Applying under Tier 1 Immigration

Candidates wishing to apply under Tier 1 Immigration must show that they have enough points to qualify. Points are awarded further to 3 categories:

Main Sub Category Scoring Areas: Each of the sub categories have specific points scoring areas, the pass mark for each is 75 points) e.g. The Tier 1 (HSMP) sub-category includes qualification, previous earnings, age, UK experience
Competence in English Language: Candidates wishing to apply under Tier 1 must have appropriate English Language skills
Maintenance: Candidates must be able to support themselves and their dependents without requiring access to public funds

In order to prove eligibility under the scheme the applicant must provide original documentation. Once approved successful applicants are awarded biometric visas.

Dependents of Tier 1 (HSMP) Work Visa Holders

Holders of Tier 1 (HSMP) work visas may bring their dependents to the UK so long as they can support them without requiring access to public funds. Dependents may take employment in the UK but are not permitted to switch to another points based immigration category.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Time spent in the UK on a Tier 1 Immigration work visa counts towards Indefinite Leave to Remain. However this does not apply to Post Study Workers. Once 5 years have been completed in Tier 1 status an Indefinite Leave to Remain application may be made. Those who start in Tier 2 (including work permit) status and then move to Tier 1 status can include their Tier 2 time towards the 5 year requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain

To find out more about Tier 1 UK Immigration call Commonwealth Contractors now on 0800 294 4388 or submit your details and we will get right back to you

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