Highly Skilled Migrants (Tier 1) General sub-category

Background

The Home Office is gradually moving over to a new Points Based System for all immigration.

On 29 February 2008 the General sub-category of Tier 1 was introduced for Highly Skilled Migrants who are applying in country. For those applying out of country from India this comes into effect from April. Out of country applicants from the rest of the world will apply "sometime in summer". Please note that the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is still available until you are able to go on to the new Tier.

Qualifying Criteria

Applicants must score 75 points or more in the following categories:

• Qualifications: Bachelors 30 points; Masters 35; PhD 50.
  N.B. There is no MBA provision as previously available under HSMP
• Previous earnings: scale from £16k-£17,999 – 5 pts; £18k-£19,999 – 10 pts; £20k - £22,999 – 15 pts; £23k-£25,999 – 20pts; £26k-£28,999 – 25pts; £29k-£31,999 – 30pts; £32k-£34,999 – 35pts; £35k-£39,999 – 40pts; £40k plus – 45 pts
• Age: Under 28 years: 20 points; 28 or 29 years:10 points; 30 or 31 years: 5 points
• Other: Previous earnings or qualification obtained in UK – 5 points
• In addition applicants must be able to prove their competence in the English language
• Applicants must also demonstrate that they can maintain themselves and their dependants as they do not have access to state benefits.

Latest information on the scheme is available from UK Border Agency

Permitted Work

No restrictions on type or duration of work

Who applies and where?

Applicant applies at British High Commission, Embassy or Consulate or, if already in the UK (e.g. as a student) to the Border and Immigration Agency.

Duration of leave

Applicants are normally granted 3 years of leave initially.

Extending the leave

Towards the end of the 3 years, applicants can apply for further approval to remain under this Tier.

If they meet the requirements, they will normally be granted further leave of up to 2 years. After 5 years they can apply for settlement. A Highly Skilled Migrant in the General sub-category of Tier 1 may apply for settlement in the Highly Skilled or Skilled Tiers after 5 years.

Family and dependents

Successful applicants will be able to bring dependants (children under 18 years, spouses, civil partners, same sex partners, and unmarried partners) into the UK if they can prove that they can maintain them. Dependants can take up employment but will not be able to switch into any points system tier other than as a dependant of a successful applicant.

Cost of application