|
Points Based System: Tier 1 (General) highly skilled workers
As off February 29, 2008 you can apply for Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker only in the following circumstances:
- You are already in the UK and want to make an initial application for the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category.
- You are already in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category and want to extend your stay within this category.
- You are already in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and want to extend your stay, in which case you will be able to switch to the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category, if you meet the requirements.
If you are in India, you can apply for entry clearance under the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category from April 1 2008, and from later in the year if you are from any other non-EEA country. In the meantime you can still apply under the .
Please note: the information on this page is subject to change. For more detailed information please see |
Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker is part of the UK's new point based immigration system and is being phased in to replace the . It enables highly skilled workers to come to the UK to look for employment opportunities either as a self-employed worker or as an employee of a UK based company. Unlike the UK's scheme, which will be replaced by the Tier 2 (General) skilled worker category later in 2008, you do not need a job offer before entry to the UK.
Eligibility for Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker
In order to be accepted into the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category you must pass a points based assessment, which is similar to the calculation with some added categories.
-
You are awarded points across four attributes: age, qualifications, past earnings and UK experience. You must score a minimum of 75 points across these categories.
-
You also score points for your English Language ability. A minimum of 10 points must be scored in this category.
-
You must be able to maintain yourself on arrival into the UK, and for the Tier 1 (General) highly skilled worker category you must score a minimum of 10 points in this category.
-
The requirements that you must meet in order to gain these points vary depending on whether you are making an initial application, seeking permission to extend your stay under the category, seeking permission to extend your stay and you are already in the UK on the HSMP.
Tier 1 (General): Quick Points Calculator
Age: 20 Points Maximum
If you are applying from overseas for entry clearance or apply for'leave to remain' in order to stay in the UK the following points are awarded:
| Age at Application |
Points |
| 27 years and under |
20 |
| 28 or 29 years |
10 |
| 30 or 31 years |
5 |
| 32 years and above |
0 |
If you already have permission for Tier 1 (General) and you are applying for permission to stay:
| Age at Application |
Points |
| 30 years or under |
20 |
| 31 or 32 years |
10 |
| 33 or 34 years |
5 |
| 35 years and above |
0 |
Qualifications: 50 Points Maximum
| Qualification |
Points |
| PhD |
50 |
| Masters Degree |
35 |
| Bachelors Degree |
30 |
Previous Earnings: 45 Points Maximum
| Previous Annual Earnings |
Points |
| £16,000-£17,999 |
5 |
| £18,000-£19,999 |
10 |
| £20,000-£22,999 |
15 |
| £23,000-£25,999 |
20 |
| £26,000-£28,999 |
25 |
| £29,000-£31,999 |
30 |
| £32,000-£34,999 |
35 |
| £35,000-£39,999 |
40 |
| £40,000+ |
45 |
UK Experience: 5 Points Maximum
You can claim 5 points if you are applying to enter the UK (leave to enter) and you are claiming for points from previous earnings. £16,000 of the earnings you are claiming for must have been earned in the UK.
If you are applying to a British overseas entry clearance post to enter the UK (entry clearance) or you are applying for leave to remain, you can also be awarded 5 points if you are claiming points for a qualification that was gained in the UK, or If £16,000 or more of the earnings you are claiming for were earned in the UK.
English Language: 10 Points
You must score all 10 points available in this category for your application to be accepted. In order to be awarded these points you must satisfy one of the following criteria:
-
You have passed an approved English language test.
-
You hold a degree that was taught in English and is at least the equivalent of a UK bachelor's degree.
-
You have already been granted permission to stay under any Tier 1 category (with the exception of investors) and you are now applying for an extension.
-
You are already in the UK under the HSMP, and you are applying for an extension under Tier 1.
-
You are a national of a majority language speaking country: Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States of America.
Maintenance (funds): 10 Points
You must score all 10 points available in this category for you application to be accepted. 10 points are awarded if:
-
You are applying for entry clearance from a British overseas entry clearance post and have £2,800 in available funds.
-
You are applying for leave to remain and have £800 in available funds.
|
