Tier 1 Visas Overview

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



The Tier 1 UK Visa commenced on 1 April 2008 for those in India, 30 June 2008 for the rest of the world and 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

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 Visa
  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).
• Tier 1 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.