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Tier 1 – General Visa

There are four divisions under the Tier 1 Points Based System (PBS) for UK immigration. The Tier 1 Visa - General category is designed to allow non EEA nationals who are intending to work in the UK full time and will contribute most to the UK economy.

Different to the rest of the Tier immigration system, the Tier 1 visa application does not require any sponsors and is solely dependent on the applicant successfully meeting the minimum point’s threshold of 95.

As a standard requirement of all categories of Tier 1 Visa, the applicants must be able to satisfy the language and maintenance requirements, each of these have a pass mark of 10 points.

Under the Points Based System, there is an important emphasis placed upon the applicants ability to be proficient in the English language as well as be able to support themselves and any dependents they bring with them.

Highly skilled migrants must prove their English language ability by demonstrating one of the following:

- They come from a country in which English is the main language

- They have passed an English language test which is equal to or exceeds level C1 of the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning

- They have successfully completed a degree course which was taught in English

Individuals who are relocating to the UK under any of the Tier 1 Visa categories divisions must be able to support themselves and their dependents as mentioned. The total amount that they must show to satisfy this requirement is £2800 for the main applicant. The first dependent would then require 2/3rds of £2800 and any further dependants would require 1/3rd of £2800.

The Tier 1 Visa - General category was put in place as a direct replacement of the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme), so the requirements are based around the old system. As with the old system the applicant is required to prove they qualify and meet the points based requirement through their previous earnings, qualifications, age and any work experience or qualifications earned within the UK. The minimum pass mark for the visa is 95 points.

Applicants for a Tier 1 visa will be awarded points for their highest qualification as follows:

PhD = 45 points

Master's degree = 35 points

Bachelor's degree = 30 points

Previous earnings

(Non-sterling currencies are converted to sterling - the overall figure takes account of regional differences between earnings)

150,000+ = 75 points

75,000-149,999 = 45 points

65,000-74,999 = 40 points

55,000-64,999 = 35 points

50,000-54,999 = 30 points

40,000-49,999 = 25 points

35,000-39,999 = 20 points

30,000-34,999 = 15 points

25,000-29,999 = 5 points

Candidates will be awarded points depending on their age. No points are awarded in this category for applicants aged 32 or older.

Under 30 = 20 points

30 to 34 = 10 points

35 to 39 = 5 points

Previous earnings or qualifications in the UK

In addition to the points outlined below, Tier 1 visa applicants may be eligible for a further 5 points where they can show proof of earnings or of qualifications gained whilst in the United Kingdom.

A Tier 1 visa can be extended in all categories except for the Post Study Work category. What makes the Post Study Work category different from the others is that it's designed as a temporary bridge between study and employment and is only granted for the initial two years and has no option to extend.

Tier 1 visas in the Tier 1 General Visa, Tier 1 Investor Visa and Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa category are all issued for an initial three years, which can be extended to a further two years as long as you meet the rules of your current visa.

In the Tier 1 general visa category, the requirements will remain largely the same. However, points that the Tier 1 applicant would have been originally awarded for their age at the time of their first application will be carried over intact. There would also be no further evidence required of the applicants English language ability and maintenance proof, the only case where new maintenance proof may be required is if the applicant plans on switching to a different tier category.

Tier 1 visa holders can switch to another category such as Tier 1 General Visa, Tier 1 Investor Visa or Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa if they meet the requirements laid out by that particular visa. Candidates who are already in possession of a highly skilled migrant tier visa in any sub category may switch to any other sub category apart from the Post Study Work category. Those in possession of Tier 1 visas in the post-study work category may switch to any other Tier 1 category and will be able to switch to a Tier 2 visa, or Tier 4 visa once these aspects of the PBS are in place.

We have assisted many individuals in moving to the UK on a variety of the UK Points Based System (PBS) including the Tier 1 General Visa. Our immigration consultants and caseworkers have a wide range of immigration expertise and experience to assist you through the Tier immigration system to find the right route into the UK and the best option for yourself as an individual.

Find out if you qualify for a Tier 1 visa by filling out our online enquiry form today, or feel free to contact us directly on 0207 100 1919.