Tier 1 General for highly skilled migrants

Qualifying Criteria

Tier 1 General is points based and the applicant must score 75 points in the following 4 categories:

• Qualifications: Masters 35; PhD 50.
  N.B. There is no MBA provision as previously available under HSMP
• Previous earnings: scale from £20k - £22,999 – 15 pts; £23k-£25,999 – 20pts; £26k-£28,999 – 25pts; £29k-£31,999 – 30pts; £32k-£34,999 – 35pts; £35k-£39,999 – 40pts; £40k plus – 45 pts
• Age: Under 28 years: 20 points; 28 or 29 years:10 points; 30 or 31 years: 5 points
• Other: Previous earnings or qualification obtained in UK – 5 points

Applicants must score an additional 10 points by proving their competence in the English language and a further 10 points demonstrating that they can maintain themselves and their dependants as they do not have access to state benefits.

Points calculator

Permitted Work

No restrictions on type or duration of work

Who applies and where?

Applicant can find information on how to apply from the UK Border Agency.  

Duration of leave

Applicants are normally granted 3 years of leave initially.

Extending the leave

Towards the end of the 3 years, applicants can apply for further approval to remain under this Tier.

If they meet the requirements, they will normally be granted further leave of up to 2 years. After 5 years they can apply for settlement. A Highly Skilled Migrant in the General sub-category of Tier 1 may apply for settlement in the Highly Skilled or Skilled Tiers after 5 years.

Family and dependents

Successful applicants will be able to bring dependants (children under 18 years, spouses, civil partners, same sex partners, and unmarried partners) into the UK if they can prove that they can maintain them. Dependants can take up employment but will not be able to switch into any points system tier other than as a dependant of a successful applicant.

Cost of application