This Points Based System tier is for highly skilled individuals
and does not require applicants to have an offer of UK employment.
It comprises of four sub-categories.
Tier 1 (exceptional talent)
This category is in place of Tier 1 (general) that closed in
2011. This category is aimed at world leaders – or potential world
leaders – in the fields of Arts and Science. The UKBA have limited
approval to 1,000 applicants per year. In order to be able to meet
the criteria, applicants must have a prescribed form of endorsement
letter from one of The Royal Society, Arts Council England, The
British Academy or the Royal Academy of Engineering.
Tier 1 (general)
This has replaced the Highly Skilled Migrant
Programme (HSMP) and is now closed to new applicants. If an
applicant already has leave to remain in the UK as either a holder
of HSMP or Tier 1 permission, extension and settlement applications
under this sub-category are still possible.
Tier 1 (entrepreneur)
This sub category replaces the old business person application
within the Immigration Rules and requires applicants to have access
to £200,000 to invest into a new or existing business. There are
also requirements regarding English language and maintenance
(savings).
Tier 1 (investor)
Similar to the entrepreneur, the investor sub-category is based
on an existing application and is aimed at high net worth
individuals who have access to at least £1 million. Unlike the
sub-categories above, the English language and maintenance
requirement do not apply.
Tier 1 (post study work)
Recent graduates from UK universities can apply for permission
to work in the UK for two years. Although the same English
language requirement applies as with Tier 1 (general) this is
automatically met if the qualification obtained meets the
attributes requirements. Maintenance still needs to be met. This
category differs from the others as it does not in itself lead to
settlement in the UK.
This permission is scheduled to be closed in April 2012.
Application for Tier 1 permission is made direct to the UKBA for
in-country applications or as an entry clearance visa application
to a UK consulate overseas with all original supporting
documentation.
