Tier 1

The following information is given in order to provide you with a generalised overview of the criteria required for this visa. However if you wish for us to assess whether you qualify for the Tier 1 General visa, or you wish to engage our services and/or require further information regarding this particular application, please answer the questions at the bottom of the page or provide me with your query to enable a member of our team to contact you and advise you further.

The Tier 1 General category is intended to attract migrants who wish to engage in highly skilled employment in the UK whether it be, salaried or taking up self-employment. The fundamental benefit of obtaining a Tier 1 General visa is flexibility, as you would be free to seek any type of employment during the duration of this visa without having a sponsor and without informing the UK Border Agency whenever you decide to change employment. This ultimately makes you more marketable in the work force and reduces the burden on the employer.

Applying whilst outside the UK

All Tier 1 General applications which have been submitted outside of the UK on 19th July 2010 and thereafter are subject to the interim limit. An interim limit has been placed on the number of Tier 1 General applications which can be granted until 31st March 2011. The interim limit at present only affects people who are applying for entry clearance under the Tier 1 General route and not any other Tier 1 route, nor will it affect dependants of Tier 1 General applicants.

The effect of the interim limit on your Tier 1 General application:

If your Tier 1 General application meets all the requirements of the immigration rules and is within the grant allocation number, then your application will be granted and your passport will be endorsed accordingly.
If your Tier 1 General application meets all the requirements of the immigration rules and is not with in the grant allocation number, then your application will be carried over to the next relevant grant allocation period and will only be granted once approval of your visa would not exceed the grant of allocation. Rest assured a Tier 1 General application will not be refused merely because it has exceeded the grant allocation for the relevant period. In the event your Tier 1 General application has been carried forward from one relevant grant allocation period to the next you will not be required to provide up to date evidence from the time you submitted the application to the time your application is considered.
If your application has not been determined by 31st March 2011 then your application will be decided in line with the rules that replace the interim limits.

Qualifying for Tier 1 General

In order to qualify under the Tier 1 General category you require a minimum of 80 points for attributes, 10 points for English language and 10 points for maintenance.

Regardless of the number of points you receive under attributes you must still obtain 10 points for English language and 10 points for maintenance. If you do not, your application will be refused.

If your Tier 1 General application is approved, you will be granted leave to remain in the UK for 2 years. You will be able to take up any form of legal employment or self-employment. Prior to your Tier 1 General visa expiring, you will need to apply for an extension of your Tier 1 General visa or if you qualify, you would be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain.