The tier 1 visa category is essentially a rebranded version of the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). It is available to highly skilled individuals who can bring professional skills, qualifications and experience to the United Kingdom. A job offer is not required in order to apply for a tier 1 visa.

The application process for the first tier visa service works on a similar premise to the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. If your application is successful you will have the right to immigrate to the UK with full and free access to the employment market. This means that depending on the category of tier 1 visa you have successfully applied for, you will be permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, establish a business, make a substantial investment, or be self-employed.

Benefits
One of the key benefits of the tier 1 visa system is that you do not require a job offer to enable you to lodge a successful application. Furthermore, the tier one visa provides you with a route towards settlement in the UK, with an opportunity to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as 'permanent residency') in the UK. Once you have satisfied the ILR requirements you may then be eligible to apply for British Naturalisation as a British citizen.

Points based visa assessment – Tier 1 general visa
There are 4 categories of tier 1 visa: tier 1 general visa , tier 1 post study work visa , tier 1 entrepreneur visa, tier 1 investor visa. This section provides details of the points requirements for the tier 1 general visa. Full details of the points required to immigrate to the UK under one of the other three tier 1 visa subcategories can be found by visiting the links above.

A total of 75 points is required to qualify for a tier one general visa. Provided below is an overview of how the points criteria will function.

The points system is designed to allow a wider variety of candidates to reach the pass-mark threshold based upon performance in the different areas of assessment. For example in situations where an older candidate may lose points in terms of age, they may be able to recoup the balance through claiming more points for their previous earnings. Alternatively, younger candidates without an established career may not yet command high earnings but they may be able to reach the minimum points threshold based upon their qualifications and age.

Age

Under 28 years of age = 20 points
28 - 29 years of age = 10 points
30 - 31 years of age = 5 points

Qualifications

• PHD = 50 points
• Masters Degree = 35 points

Earnings

• £40,000 + = 45 points
• £35,000 - £39,999 = 40 points
• £32,000 - £34,999 = 35 points
• £29,000 - £31,999 = 30 points
• £26,000 - £28,999 = 25 points
• £23,000 - £25,999 = 20 points
• £20,000 - £22,999 = 15 points
• £18,000 - £19,999 = 10 points
• £16,000 - £17,999 = 5 points

The earnings component will be weighted to take into account the country and currency in which your earnings were generated.

Applicants may be eligible for a further 5 points where they can show proof of earnings or evidence that they gained their qualifications while in the United Kingdom.

In addition to the points system outlined above, you will also be required to show that you are proficient in the English Language and that you can support yourself or any dependants without requiring assistance from public funds.

Dependants
Under the new Points Based System, spouse and dependent visas will allow you to bring your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner to join you in the UK.