Tier 1 Visa - General

In December 2010 the UK government announced it would close the Tier 1 General visa to new applicants from April 6, 2011.

Existing Tier 1 Visa holders will still qualify under this category if they wish to renew their visa. 

Applications

 will continue to be accepted as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements of the original Tier 1 visa (General) application.

Applicants who previously qualified for a Tier 1 Visa (General) can now apply under Tier 2 visas of the points-based system. Visit the Tier 2 Visas page for further information.

Visit our visa assessment form now to find out whether you qualify and to begin your application.

As well as being highly skilled, applicants may also meet eligibility for a UK Tier 1 Visa in one of the following categories:

• Tier 1 Visa - Post Study Work
• Tier 1 Visa - Entrepreneur
• Tier 1 Visa - Investor

As a specialist UK immigration consultancy helping clients to relocate to destinations all over the world, Global Visas consultants are well versed in points based immigration systems and are fully equipped to help businesses and individuals to navigate points based UK visa services.

Our specialist immigration lawyers provide expert advice for those who pursue immigration to UK and we provide a complete range of immigration compliance services to ensure that businesses are granted a licence to sponsor the professionals they need.

Eligibility

General requirements

As with all categories of Tier 1, UK visa applicants in the general stream must be able to satisfy the language and maintenance requirements.

Under the PBS, emphasis is placed upon the ability of non-EEA nationals migrating to the UK to be proficient in the English language. In Tier 1, with the exception of those entering the UK as investors, this requirement is particularly important.

Skilled migrants are required to 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 Master's degree course which was taught in English

Maintenance

Highly skilled migrants relocating to the UK under any of the Tier 1 subdivisions must be able to support themselves and any dependents joining them in the UK. They must provide evidence of funds as part of their application. Take a free assessment through Global Visas to find out if you meet these requirements.

Specific requirements

Applying for a Tier 1 Visa in the general category is based on many of the same criteria as the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). Taking into account the applicant's qualifications, previous earnings, age, and any work experience or qualifications earned in the UK. As with all sub divisions of Tier 1, eligibility depends on the applicants scoring the minimum number of points based on factors including 

education

 and experience. Take the free assessment to find out if you have what it takes.

Tier 1 Visa extension

Tier 1 visas are granted for an initial period of three years. The one exception to this are visas granted in the Post-Study Work category, which are granted for two years and are not extendable.

In all other subdivisions candidates may extend their leave by a further two years. However, it will be necessary to pass the version of the Tier 1 requirements that are current at the time of applying for an extension.

In the general category, the requirements will remain largely the same. However, points originally awarded for the applicant's age at the time of their first application will be carried over intact. No further evidence will be required of the applicant's English language ability.

Switching to a Tier 1 Visa

Under the Points Based System, it is possible for an applicant to switch their category if they meet the requirements of the category they intend to move to. It is also possible in some circumstance to switch to a Tier 1 category from a visa type which precedes the tier system

Candidates already in possession of a highly skilled 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.

Switching into Tier 1 will also be permitted for qualifying Tier 2 or Tier 4 students however, Tier 1 will not be accessible from Tier 3, Tier 5 of from candidates present in the UK on a working holiday maker visa.

Find out further information on our Tier 2 Visas page. Beginning your Tier 1 visa application is quick and easy with our online assessment form.