UK Tier Visas

The Points Based System (PBS) for immigration to the UK creates a five-tier system of visas which apply to those relocating to the UK to study or to undertake positions of employment. Tier 1 visas are designed for skilled migrants immigrating to the UK on a permanent basis, whilst tier 2 work permits replace the previous UK work permit structure and allow candidates to live and work in the UK based on an offer of employment from a UK based company.

The Points Based System will be introduced to the UK in stages throughout 2008 and 2009 with tier 1 visas and tier 2 visas being the first to come into action. As UK immigration specialists, Global Visas are at the forefront of UK visa law and we are fully equipped to help individuals and businesses to get the most out of the PBS. We provide corporate visa solutions for businesses and we assist individuals with obtaining the right UK visa service for their needs.

To find out more about tier immigration and to set your application in motion visit the online assessment area today.

Tier 1 Visa – Skilled Migration to the UK

Tier 1 visas for skilled migrants are designed to attract the most talented individuals to the UK who will be of the greatest economic benefit to the country. Tier 1 visas provide a route to permanent UK immigration and as such, they permit the applicant to bring their spouse or partner and any dependent children with them. Dependents will be granted the same duration of leave as the main applicant and will be permitted to work in the UK.

Unlike tier 2 work permits, tier 1 visa holders do not need to have a pre-arranged job offer in place in order to relocate to the UK and tier one is the only visa service under the PBS which does not require applicants to have a sponsor. Whilst tiers 2-5 all require applicants to have a sponsoring institution, which may be a business, an educational institution or a religious body depending on the tier, successful tier 1 applicants may work for any employer they choose in the UK. Tier 1 visas are issued for three years, with the exception of those in the post-study work scheme, and may be extended if the requirements of the visa continue to be met. Indefinite Leave to Remain may be applied for after 5 years and beyond this, applicants may be eligible to apply for UK citizenship.

Tier 1 - Eligibility

Tier 1 may be subdivided into 4 categories which have different qualifying criteria; however, in all cases applicants must undergo a points based assessment and achieve a minimum pass mark of 75 points. Tier 1 also places several general requirements upon applicants including the ability to support themselves whilst in the UK.

Tier 1 visa – Subcategories

General Stream

The tier 1 general stream assesses candidates upon a range of factors including age, previous earnings and qualifications. As with most applications in tier 1 general visa applicants must also be proficient in the English language.

Entrepreneur Stream

The tier 1 entrepreneur visa is designed for candidates immigrating to the UK to begin or assume control of a UK company which will form their sole employment. Applicants must intend to take a key managerial role in the day-to-day running of their venture and must be able to demonstrate prior business experience. Applications in this category also require candidates to have access to a minimum of £200,000.

Investor Stream

The investor visa under tier 1 of the PBS is chiefly concerned with an applicant's ability to invest a significant amount in the UK economy. Candidates must either possess assets worth at least £2 million, or have direct access in the UK to funds of £1 million or more.

Post-Study Work

The fourth stream of the tier 1 visa, the post-study work scheme is a temporary immigration service which acts as a bridging measure for candidates graduating in the UK. The post study work scheme provides applicants with a two-year grant during which time they may undertake employment and switch into one of the other tier 1 categories. Unlike the other streams, the time spent living in the UK on the post-study work scheme does not count towards applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.

Tier 2 Work Permit

Tier 2 work permits are an employer led visa service which allow UK employers to sponsor non-EEA nationals to work in the UK. Tier 2 work permits are valid only for the sponsoring employer and the specific position being offered and although they are not expressly intended as a route to permanent residency, they may lead to ILR after 5 years.

Applicants will be assessed against a points based system which takes into account their prospective earnings and qualifications and all applicants must be in possession of a confirmed job offer from a UK company. Like a tier 1 visa, the dependents of a work permit applicant may join them in the UK, although they will only be permitted to work if they obtain their own work permit.

Tier 3 Visas – Temporary Unskilled Migration

Tier three of the PBS is designed for temporary unskilled workers relocating to the UK on a strictly temporary basis to fulfil ad hoc employment schemes where a shortage is identified. At present, the UK has no such schemes planned.

Tier 4 Visas – Student Visas

Tier 4 study visas require a candidate to have a confirmed offer of a place on a course of study at a recognised UK educational institution. UK study visas are granted for the duration of the course and are not intended as a UK permanent immigration service.

Tier 5 Visas

Tier 5 visas are issued as a temporary immigration service and apply to a range of people entering the UK for a short period. Tier 5 covers youth mobility schemes and exchange programme as well as religious workers and those entering the UK to participate in a sporting or artistic event.

To find out more about tier immigration under the points based system contact Global Visas today, or to begin your UK visa application visit the online assessment area now.