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How it Works

Latest announcement

Following the announcement on the 23rd November 2010 by the Home Secretary Theresa May, the tier 1 route (originally introduced in January 2002 by the previous government) has effectively been made redundant. In future, this route will only be available to people of "exceptional talent", like scientists, academics and artists. The number allowed into the UK through this route will also fall from over 13,000 to 1,000. These new rules will take effect from April 2011.

Exceptionally talented - Once the government has confirmed the specific criteria required to qualify under this revised route, Smith Stone Walters shall carry the news here.

Tier 1 General - Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

Tier 1 General - (HSMP) allows high achievers and talented individuals to work in the United Kingdom. It also allows an individual to enter or remain in the UK without necessarily having an offer of employment, or to take up self-employment opportunities. To apply under the points-based system and be accepted into the highly skilled worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment.

Key areas

Under these four key areas you must claim a minimum 75 points.

  1. Education - you must have completed a recognised course at a degree level or above.
  2. Past Earnings - the number of points available to you is measured by your gross earnings for the past 12 months.
  3. Age - if you are under 40 then you can claim up to 20 points (depending on your age). Individuals over 40 cannot claim points in the age category, but may still qualify with points from other categories.
  4. Previous Work or Study in the UK - if you have worked or studied in the UK before you may be able to claim bonus points in this category.

Additional Requirements

English Ability – you must show that you are proficient in English to earn the mandatory 10 points under this category

Maintenance – you will be required to score 10 points in this category by proving you can support yourselves and any dependants

Please check our points calculator to see if you qualify or contact us for a free assessment.