|
Following the announcement on the 23rd November 2010 by the Home Secretary Theresa May, the tier 1 general route has now stopped for applicants applying from outside the UK. In April 201, the UK will follow suit so call IWP to apply at your earliest convenience. As of April 2011, this route will only be available to people of "exceptional talent" and number allowed into the UK through this route will also fall from over 13,000 to 1,000.
Initial applications
This section explains how you can make your initial application to Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker of our points-based system to work, train or study in the United Kingdom. It applies if you are in the United Kingdom in any category except:
If you are already in either of these two categories, you should read the section on extending your stay .
The process for applying is: -
Step 1: complete a self-assessment online using our GHSM points calculator to make sure you score enough points or alternatively, speak to a registered consultant: 44(0)207 866 8170 Step 2: send the supporting documentation or organise for an in-house consultation Step 3: the application will be lodged on your behalf Step 4: on receipt of the approval InternationalWorkPermits will assist you in the endorsement of your passport with the visa [further leave to remain / entry clearance]
Please note: Under the new General Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, dependants will require to apply using a secondary application but we can assist in this.
In the United Kingdom
If you are in the United Kingdom and wish to enter Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker, you will need to be sure that you can switch into this category.
Switching into this category is allowed if you currently hold leave in the following categories:
See the section on extending your stay for further details.
If you are granted leave to remain as a Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker you will be able to live and work in the United Kingdom for a maximum period of three years. When the end of this period approaches you will need to apply to extend your stay as a highly skilled worker.
Leave to remain is subject to the following conditions:
- you must have no recourse to public funds;
- you must register with the police if this is needed by paragraph 326 in part 10 of the immigration rules;
- you may not be not employed as a doctor in training unless:
- you were last granted entry clearance, or leave to enter or remain, as a highly skilled migrant or as a postgraduate doctor or dentist;
- you were last granted entry clearance or leave to remain as a Tier 1 (General) migrant and that grant was not subject to a condition prohibiting employment as a doctor in training;
- you submit a valid Highly Skilled Migrant Programme approval letter, and your application for that approval letter was made on or before 6 February 2008.
Scoring Criteria (updated 19 July 2010)
(1) Qualifications
Bachelors Masters PhD
30 points 35 points 40 points
(2) Previous Earnings
Like the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme , the General Highly Skilled Migrant's points for previous earnings are calculated by converting non-sterling currency to Sterling, then the sterling figure is converted to points, taking into account the relative difference in the level of earnings between countries and the exchange rate. Earnings are dependent on the country they are earned. For a full break down of your eligibility you will need to complete the Tier 1 General calculator.
Please note: The UKBA assess your salary using your gross salary in a 12 month period in the last 15 months:-
|
In pounds per year
|
Points scored
|
|
Under £25,000
|
0
|
|
£25,000 - £29,999
|
5
|
|
£30,000 - £34,999
|
15
|
|
£35,000 - £39,999
|
20
|
|
£40,000 - £49,999
|
25
|
|
£50,000 - £54,999
|
30
|
|
£55,000 - £64,999
|
35
|
|
£65,000 - £74,999
|
40 |
|
£75,000 - £149,999
|
45 |
|
£150,000 or above
|
80 (and no qualifications required)
|
(3) Age Bands:
Over 40 0 Points
35 to 39 5 Points
30 to 34 10 Points
29 or under 20 Points
(4) UK Experience
If you have a UK qualification or a salary in excess of £25,000 in the last 12 months:- 5 Points
At least 80 points are required for the above 4 points. In addition, you must be able to satisfy points (5) and (6) to qualify:-
(5) English Ability
Applicants must show that they are proficient in English by proving one of the following:
* They must have passed a test in English equivalent to level C of the council of Europe's common European Framework for Language Learning
* Come from a country where English is the majority language spoken [Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America]
* Have take a degree taught in English (this is verified by using the National Academic Recognition Information Centre - International Work Permits can verify this on your behalf)
* Successful proof of one of these criteria will earn the required 10 points for the English language requirement.
(6) Maintenance
Applicants will be required to score 10 points by proving they can support themselves and any dependants. 1 applicant should show £800 continuously in their bank account for 3 months (a further £533 is added to this per dependant applying alongside the main the applicant)
If you would like to know more about the General Highly Skilled Migrant sub-category then call International Work Permits today for a free assessment or complete our Tier 1 calculator to see if you qualify.
GHSM generalhighly skilled migrant sub-category
|
