Tier 1 UK Highly Skilled Visa

The Tier 1 Visa replaces the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), International Graduates Scheme (IGS), innovator visa and entrepreneur visa.

HSMP Points Calculator
Free online HSMP Visa assessment. If you want a qualified Consultant to assess your application then simply upload your CV at the end of the process and we will fully assess your chances of approval. HSMP Extension applicants should use the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa Points Calculator.
Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa Points Calculator
Points calculator for the Tier 1 UK General Highly Skilled Visa, with a free assessment from a SkillClear Consultant.

The Tier 1 UK Visa commenced on 29 February 2008 for those in the UK holding one of the following visas:

Employer Sponsored Work Permit (WP1)
Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
Tier 1 Skilled Visa seeking extension
Student Visa (if you have graduated from the course for which your student visa was approved
Investor Visa
Innovator Visa
International Graduates Scheme (IGS)
Post-Graduate Doctors or Dentists

If you do not hold one of the above visas within the UK then you can still make an HSMP Visa application.

HSMP will finish in India in April 2008 and be replaced at that time with the Tier 1 Visa. Some time in the Summer HSMP will be replaced with the Tier 1 Visa throughout the rest of the world.

The Tier 1 Visa has 4 distinct sub-categories:

General Highly Skilled Visa
For highly skilled individuals without a job offer who can score sufficient points based on age, earning power, education and UK experience. This replaces the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and provides the right to work without needing employer sponsorship for an initial period of 3 years.

Post Study Work
This allows those who have been in the UK on Student Visa status the right to work in the UK for an initial period of 2 years if they have achieved a certain level of educational qualification. This replaces the previous International Graduates Scheme (IGS).

Investors Visa
This sub-category of the Tier 1 Visa allows those investing significant funds in the UK to live and work in the UK.

Entrepreneurs Visa
This Tier 1 Visa sub-category is for those setting up or taking over a business in the UK and being actively involved in the running of that business.

All of the above Tier 1 UK Visa sub-categories will require the applicant to achieve at least 75 points and, apart from the Investors sub-category, all applicants will also need to meet the Maintenance and English Language criteria.