Tier 1 Visa: UK Immigration for Highly Skilled Migrants
Tier 1 visas are designed to bring into the UK those migrants with the very highest skills. You will not need a job offer and, if approved, you will have unrestricted access to the UK labour market, meaning that you will be able to work in any capacity (employed or self-employed) and for any employer. You will not need an employer to sponsor your UK work permit if you qualify for the Tier 1 Visa. This has replaced the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme). Essentially, this is a UK work permit that does not require you to have an offer of employment.
Points are awarded for age, education, past earnings and UK experience, either through earnings or education in the UK. You will also need to prove your English language ability, either through testing or based on whether or not you are from an English-speaking country. The Tier 1 visa is almost identical to the previous HSMP Visa.
Tier 1 Visa: Key Features and Benefits
One of the most important features of the Tier 1 visa is that you do not need a job offer in order to apply. This removes the problems faced in finding an employer in the UK willing to sponsor a work permit. Approval for the Tier 1 visa means that you will be able to live and work in the UK with the same working rights as a UK citizen, meaning that you can establish a business, work for any employer or be self-employed. Changing employers will not require any changes to your working visa.
In addition, the Tier 1 visa provides a route to settlement in the UK. After a qualifying period of working in the UK under the Tier 1 visa you will be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (also known as Permanent Residence or Probationary Citizenship). The qualifying period is currently five years.
Your Family and Dependents
Under the Points Based System, dependant visas will allow you to bring your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner to the UK. The existing marriage visa, unmarried partner visa and fiance visa services continue to exist and operate outside of the proposed 5-tier points based system.