Tier 1 (General)
Tier 1 (General) replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme on 29th February 2009. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme was introduced an alternative scheme to those who are highly skilled and who want to work in the UK but, are not required to have a job offer.
The qualifying criteria for the HSMP and Tier 1 (General) are similar but, there are some important changes and applicants should obtain advice before the making of an application under Tier 1 (General).
Under Tier 1 (General), applicants will need to score a minimum of 75 points in total for qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience. You will have to have a Masters Degree or higher to qualify and this requirement has been raised from a Bachelors Degree in recent months. You will also need to score an additional 10 points for maintenance and 10 points for English Language. Points differ for first-time applications and extension applications. It is important that you understand if you are in a category that enables you to qualify under an extension application, since the points will be awarded differently if you are required to make an ‘initial’ application. Your application could be refused if you believe you should be awarded more points than you are in fact eligible to claim.
If your application is successful, you will be granted permission to stay in the UK for three years and an extension application will be granted for two years where the applicant has already been admitted into this category. You will be able to apply for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) once five years has been completed under this category.
Preparing an application for Tier 1 (General) may seem easy if you qualify but, your application could just as easily be refused. This is due to the fact that the points awarded are heavily determined by the documents that you produce and the rules as such are particularly rigid.
Should you wish to make an application under Tier 1 (General), we can advise you as to how and where you can apply as well as being able to assist you in the preparation of such an application.