***IMPORTANT NOTE***
The Tier 1 (General) highly skilled migrant visa category is now closed. The United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA) closed this visa category on the 23rd of December 2010. If you currently hold a Tier 1 (General) visa and you meet the point’s threshold then you may still extend the visa while inside the UK, but no new applications will be considered. The UKBA have indicated that the first opportunity they will have to review their decision will be in April 2012. Highly skilled migrants should now consider a Tier 2 visa.
The UK Tier 1 visa is by far the visa of choice for highly skilled migrants as it does not require a sponsoring employer in the UK. It will allow you to live and work in the UK for an initial period of 3 years, after which you may apply for a 2 year visa extension.
The Tier 1 category replaced the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) on the 30 June 2008. This is a points based immigration programme and 95 points are required to qualify under this scheme. Recent changes in UK Immigration policy requires that all applicants for the Tier 1 General visa must hold a Masters degree or recognised professional qualifications such as CA/CPA/CIMA to qualify. Other points may be accumulated in the following categories:
- Age
- Education (Masters and higher)
- Gross earnings
- Bonus points
- English language
- Maintenance funds
This visa is issued initially for 3 years and can be extended for a further 2 years providing further conditions are met. Acquiring a total of 5 years residency in the UK on the Tier 1 Visa may enable you to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Read more on the UK Tier 1 Visa on the Visa Website
