The UK immigration process has recently undergone some changes that make it easier to navigate and understand. The previous system granted an HSMP Visa – the “Highly Skilled Migrant Programme”. This system has now been replaced with the Tier System, which makes it more similar to the systems used globally.
The Tier System provides for 5 different levels or tiers for visas. Each tier provides for a different group of applicant. The levels include Tier 1 – for “highly skilled workers” and professionals; Tier 2 – for “skilled workers” with a current job offer; Tier 3 – a temp visa for those with fewer skills; Tier 4 – a student visa and Tier 5 – a temp youth permit for temp workers. The Tier Visa uses a point system to determine eligibility.
The point system, used for Tier 1 Visas for UK immigration, uses several main factors. Each factor has weighted points that are applied based on your skills or abilities in the area. The total points necessary to be eligible for a Tier 1 Visa are 75. The point system is commonly used throughout the country as a way of determining entry into the country on a permanent basis.
The Tier 1 Visa uses education, age, previous employment, salary, English skills, and adaptability to assign points. The applicant must submit all documentation to prove eligibility at the time of application. The approval process may take anywhere up to about a year and a half. It is important to submit all the information at once so that your application is not stalled.
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