Tier 1 General Visa Application 2010

The Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Migrant sub-category has changed very little from the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme [HSMP], however as of 1st April 2009 all initial applicants applying for Tier 1 will require a Masters degree qualification in order to apply. This requirement will not apply to applicants who extend leave to remain within the UK.

The following tables show the amount of points a potential migrant can score for specific criteria. A score of 75 [as with the previous HSMP] is required for points (1) to (6) and additional 20 points is required for points (5) & (6):-

(1) Qualifications

Bachelors Masters PhD
0 points 35 points 50 points

(2) Previous Earnings

Like the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme , the General Highly Skilled Migrant's points for previous earnings are calculated by converting non-sterling currency to Sterling, then the sterling figure is converted to points, taking into account the relative difference in the level of earnings between countries and the exchange rate. Earnings are dependent on the country they are earned. For a full break down of your eligibility you will need to complete the skilled points calculator for GHSM .

In pounds per year	Points scored
£20,000 - £22,999	15
£23,000 - £25,999	20
£26,000 - £28,999	25
£29,000 - £31,999	30
£32,000 - £34,999	35
£35,000 - £39,999	40
£40,000+	45

(3) Age Bands:

Under 28 28 or 29 30 or 31

20 10 5

(4) UK Experience

Previous Earnings or Qualifications gained in the UK:- 5 Points

(5) English Ability

Applicants must show that they are proficient in English by proving one of the following:

* They must have passed a test in English equivalent to level C of the council of Europe's common European Framework for Language Learning

* Come from a country where English is the majority language spoken [Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America]

* Have take a degree taught in English (this is verified by using the National Academic Recognition Information Centre - International Work Permits can verify this on your behalf)

* Successful proof of one of these criteria will earn the required 10 points for the English language requirement.

(6) Maintenance

Applicants will be required to score 10 points by proving they can support themselves and any dependants.

Migrants wishing to extend their stay in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Migrant [GHSM] sub-category will be required to extend under this scheme and not the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. However as of July 2008, if you have an outstanding application for an extension under Tier 1 (general), your application will be assessed in accordance with the requirements for an extension that were in place before 7 November 2006. You will not need to make a new application. If you joined the HSMP under the arrangements in place from 5 December 2006 then you will need to apply under the new Tier 1 rules which can be found by clicking here