TIER-1 General

Home Office announced New Points Based System for the Highly Skilled Workers and the same is implemented in the United Kingdom from 29 February 2008. So, if you are in the United Kingdom, the formerly HSMP scheme or Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is now replaced by Tier 1 (General) Scheme for the Highly Skilled Workers.

You can apply under Tier 1 (General) Scheme if you are in the United Kingdom under a Work Permit, Post Study Visa (formerly International Graduate Scheme (IGS), Science & Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS) or Fresh Talent Scheme (FTS) of Scotland) , Innovator Visa or Student Visa to switch to Tier 1 (General) Scheme for Highly Skilled Workers.

If you are in the United Kingdom under Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), you will have to apply for Extension under the New Tier 1 (General) Scheme to complete the five year continuous stay required to make you eligible for the Indefinite Leave To Remain (ILR) or Permanent Resident status.

Tier 1 (General) Scheme for Highly Skilled was implemented in India from 01 April 2008 and Tier 1 General Scheme is now implemented globally from 29 June 2008.

What are the Important Changes as compared to HSMP?

1. You will now need to score a total of 95 points as against 75 points under the HSMP scheme.

2. You will need to score 75 points based on Age, Education, Earnings and United Kingdom Experience. Moreover, you will score 10 points for English Language Proficiency if you are native of predominantly English Speaking Country or if you have completed an accredited Bachelors Degree course that was taught in English or if you have passed an English Language Test from one of the tests as approved by the Home Office. If you take IELTS, you will need to score 6.5 Band now.

3. You will also need to show Maintenance Funds in your account for at least three months before you submit your application under Tier 1 (General) Application. This amount will depend upon the number of family members and on how long you have been living in the United Kingdom.

4. You will need to complete application form for Main Applicant under Tier 1 (General) scheme for Highly Skilled Worker and submit separate application for each independent.

5. Home Office has made Tier 1 (General) Scheme a one-stage scheme as compared to two-stage HSMP scheme and has therefore increased the Application Fees to £750, if you are applying within the United Kingdom. This is not an increase in fees as compared to HSMP application within the United Kingdom but if your application is refused for some reason and if you need to apply again, you will need to pay £750 again.

6. However, if you are applying under Tier 1 General Scheme for Highly Skilled outside the United Kingdom, i.e. in your home country, the Tier 1 General Visa Application Fee is £600 per person. Therefore, if you have your spouse and two children as your dependants, you will need to pay £2,400 as Tier 1 General Visa Application Fees. In addition, if you are applying outside the United Kingdom, you will need to apply at British High Commission or British Embassy in your country. 7. You will need to submit your Passport as well as your Dependents' Passport at the time of submission of Application under Tier 1 (General) Scheme that would mean that you would not be able to undertake overseas travel while your application is under consideration at the Home Office.

7. If you are under Working Holidaymaker Visa (WHM) in the United Kingdom, you will not be able to switch to Tier 1 (General) Scheme.

We will keep updating this site as well the sections related to Points Based Immigration System of the United Kingdom and we would like to suggest that you bookmark this page and visit this page at regular interval.

If you are planning to apply under Tier 1 (General) Scheme or need to apply for Extension of your HSMP Visa, we will be happy to offer professional help. We are registered with OISC, the United Kingdom as Immigration Advisors. Please contact us today to fix an appointment.

If you are interested in living and working in the United Kingdom as a Tier 1 General Migrant / Highly Skilled Professional, we can help. Please select one of the options below: