The Points Based System or PBS focuses the structure of UK immigration services into a five-tier immigration model. The tier visa system is designed to cover all non-EEA nationals immigrating to the UK except those entering through a family based visa application.
Tier 1 of the Points Based System directly replaces the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and like its predecessor, it is designed to facilitate the relocation of skilled migrants to the UK. Tier 1 is the only tier of the UK's managed migration structure which does not require applicants to have a Certificate of Sponsorship and aims to attract the most talented migrants who will be of most economic benefit to the UK.
How Global Visas Can Help
With more than twenty years experience in immigration and visas, we are fully equipped to help clients and corporations to navigate the points based system. At Global Visas, we help thousands of candidates per year to immigrate to the country of their choice from an ever-increasing range of destinations worldwide. As specialists in Australian immigration, Canadian visas and UK visas, our unique team of immigration lawyers, and immigration officials are well versed in dealing with points based immigration systems. Global Visas now bring this expertise to helping you to understand the changing UK immigration landscape.
Not only do we provide a source of help and guidance for candidates and employers making applications, we also provide complete immigration compliance services helping PBS sponsors to gain and hold on to an A-rated sponsorship licence.
Visit our online assessment are today to find out whether you qualify for a tier one visa or contact one of our consultants to discuss immigration compliance.
About Tier 1 Immigration
Tier 1 visas are designed to attract what the Home Office refer to as the "brightest and best" of potential UK immigration candidates. Unlike tier two visas, which also apply to those moving to the UK for long-term business or employment purposes, tier 1 visas do not require an offer of employment to be in place. As a result, the requirements of the tier one assessment are consistent with selecting the most highly skilled applicants.
The Role Of PBS In Streamlining UK Immigration
Tier one of the PBS replaces eight immigration categories from the previous system and replaces them with four new subdivisions. With the exception of the Post-Study Work category, time spent in the UK will count towards the minimum residency requirement of five years for permanent settlement in the UK.
Outgoing UK Immigration Services
- Businesspersons
- Fresh talent: Working in Scotland Scheme
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- Investors
- International Graduates Scheme
- Innovators
- Self Employed Lawyers
- Writers, Composers and Artists
Under Tier 1 - Applicants may apply through one of the following categories:
General
The General category applies to highly skilled candidates who wish to enter the UK in order to seek and undertake employment.
Entrepreneurs
Applicants in this stream will be investing in the UK economy by starting or assuming control of a business. Candidates must also be involved in the day-to-day running of the enterprise concerned.
Investors
The Investor stream of Tier 1 is aimed at individuals making a substantial investment in the UK.
Post-Study Work
The Post Study Work stream provides a short-term bridge to working in the UK for the most talented non-EEA national graduates completing a course of study in the UK. This stream is part of Tier 1, but unlike the other categories, it is only granted for a maximum of two years which will not count towards permanent settlement in the UK. Candidates who remain in Britain under this category will be obliged to switch their status into another part of the points system as soon as they are able to do so.
Applicants in the General, Investors, or Entrepreneur categories will be granted a three-year visa, with the option to extend this by a further two years if the requirements continue to be fulfilled.
Tier 1 Visa Assessment
As with the previous HSMP, tier one visa applications for the UK will be assessed on a range of criteria. In sub-categories of tier one, candidates will be assessed against a specific group of requirements. However, the following general requirements will apply to all streams:
- English Language Proficiency - The PBS places emphasis upon competence in the English Language, especially in tier 1.
- Self - Sufficiency - All migrants in tier 1 must be able to support both themselves and any dependent family members.
Applying For A Tier 1 Visa
Unlike the other tiers of the PBS, tier 1 visa applications do not need a sponsor to be in place. The tier one visa application will be a single process whether initiated from inside or outside the UK and applicants will need to submit a range of supporting documentation in order to substantiate their application. Candidates may apply for a tier one visa either to enter the UK, extend a stay, or switch whilst already in the UK.
Tier 1 Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration
Since tier one immigration is designed for skilled migrants immigrating to the UK for a long-term to permanent stay, a successful applicant may bring their dependants, including their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and/or children with them. However, the main applicant must demonstrate their ability to support and maintain their dependents in the UK. These dependents will be eligible work, however, if they wish to be in the UK in their own right i.e. rather than as a dependent, they will need to leave the UK in order to apply.
Our online assessment forms make it easy to get your application moving. Simply answer a few straightforward questions and a Global Visas immigration consultant will contact you.
