Tier 1 Visas: UK Immigration for Skilled Migrants

The UK Tier 1 visa is aimed at individuals with a combination of skills, educational qualifications and work experience. Tier 1 visas replace the previous HSMP and IGS visas, along with a number of other categories.

The new visa system separates UK immigration into five tiers and provides pathways for all non-EEA nationals immigrating to the UK, apart from the family-based and visitor visa paths. Tier 1 of the UK's five-tier points-based system, which includes all work, study, and training immigration routes into the UK, is designed to attract applications from the most highly skilled applicants.

In general, once your Tier 1 visa application is approved, you can live and work in the UK for any employer you like. You have the same access to the UK jobs maket as a UK national. You do not need to obtain sponsorship from an employer. You may also set up in business. This is the key difference between a work permit and the Tier 1 visa scheme. Unlike other tiers, Tier 1 applicants do not need to arrange for a sponsor ahead of obtaining the visa.

As professional immigration lawyers, Mulberry Finch will provide you with a complete service to obtain your approval. Our service is both effective and fast. Most importantly, our lawyers are registered at the highest level with the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). The OISC regulates immigration services that are provided by UK firms. Finally, for your piece of mind, our Tier 1 services are provided with a no-win no-fee guarantee. Our lawyers understand the technicalities that both the Home Office and UK Embassies can reject an application on, and will ensure that your application is complete.

Tier 1 replaces the following categories:

Tier 1 visa applications are assessed on a range of criteria. Each category will require satisfaction of various requirements. The following requirements apply to all categories:

  • English Language proficiency - Competence in the English Language.
  • Self-sufficiency - Ability to support yourself and any dependant family members.

Whether you apply from within the UK or from overseas, Tier 1 requires a single application step, unlike some of the categories that Tier 1 replaces that required a seperate permit step before the visa application. A range of documents are required for an application to be approved. Depending on your personal circumstances, additional explanations may also be required to facilitate a prompt approval. You may apply either to enter the UK, extend a stay, or switch whilst already in the UK.

As Tier 1 aims to attract skilled migrants to the UK for a long or permanent stay, you may bring your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner, and your children with you. You must demonstrate you are able to support and maintain them.

Dependants will be allowed to work in the UK.

HSMP Changes: Tier 1 General

One of the most popular forms of immigration to the UK has been the HSMP. The HSMP has been replaced by Tier 1 General. People seeking extensions to their HSMP are now required to extend their leave to remain under Tier 1 for General Highly Skilled Migrants. The changes will mean that you will now need to apply for highly skilled migrant applications under Tier 1 either for initial application, or for extending an existing HSMP permit. Determine how if you qualify now using the Tier 1 Points Calculator.

After working in the UK for five years, you can then apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain, commonly known as Permanent Residence. Applicants in the General category will be granted a three-year visa, with the option to extend this by a further two years as long as the requirements continue to be satisfied. Our lawyers are specialists in dealing with Tier 1 applications.

IGS and WISS Replaced: Tier 1 Post Study Work

The Tier 1 Post Study Work visa allows students to experience working in the UK for a limited time. We can also help candidates to take advantage of the Training and Work Experience Scheme (TWES) permit allowing overseas nationals to undertake work experience or training in Britain.

The Tier 1 Post Study Work category provides a two-year visa to work in the UK for graduates who have completed their studies in the UK. Unlike the other Tier 1 categories, the Post Study Work visa is granted for a maximum of two years. Furthermore, these two years cannot be adduced for reasons of permanent settlement in the UK. Candidates in this category will generally use this as a stepping stone, with a plan to switch into Tier 1 General once they are eligible for that category.

Business, Innovator, and Investor Visas Replaced

Want to run a business in the UK? The business visas below encourage successful business people to settle in the UK and develop new or existing businesses. We advise on Tier 1 Entrepreneur visas, Tier 1 Investor visas, Sole Representative visas, and Business Visitor visas.

Applicants in the Investor or Entrepreneur categories will be granted a three-year visa initially. At the completion of the initial period, they may extend their visas by a further two years if the requirements for extension are met.

Tier 1 Entrepreneur

Applicants under this scheme will be investing in the UK economy by starting or assuming control of a business. Candidates must also be actively involved in the day-to-day running of the business or venture concerned. The Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa allows experienced business people to live and work in Great Britain, investing capital and starting a business within the United Kingdom. If you are a business person wanting to establish a business in the UK, Mulberry Finch can help.

Tier 1 Investor

Applicants may come to Britain simply to invest in the British economy through a Tier 1 Investor visa. The Investor stream of Tier 1 is aimed at individuals making a substantial investment in the UK.

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