Tier 1 - Points Based System

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	Codes of Practice Released Under New Points Based System [Tier 2] 17 September 2008 The Codes of Practice have now been published today marking a significant point in the development of the Points Based System. These are very important documents which set the benchmarks for salaries in the Tier 2 category and levels of skilled jobs that will be allowed under the issue of Certificates of Sponsorship for migrant workers. Some salary bands may come as a surprise to many employers. MORE >

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Tier 1 - Points Based System

For those individuals that wish to come to the United Kingdom for the purposes of employment and/or self-employment, an application should be made under Tier 1 of the Points Based System.  

This type of application does not require evidence of a formal job offer or the submission of a detailed business plan. The application will be assessed on the basis of the individual’s qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience and age. 

In addition to the above, the applicant will be required to demonstrate that s/he has met the English language requirement and has sufficient funds to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds. If the application and the supporting documents cannot be independently verified then the application will be refused by the UK Border Agency. 

At present applications for Tier 1 can only be made in the following circumstances: 

• Initial Tier 1 applications
• Tier 1 Extensions for those individuals that have already been granted Tier 1 previously and are seeking to extend their immigration status
• Highly Skilled Migrant [HSMP] applicants that are seeking to extend their immigration status and would be required to submit an application for Tier 1 or another immigration category where appropriate.
•  For those in the UK on a different immigration category and are seeking to switch immigration status into Tier 1  
• Those migrants covered by the 8 April 2008 judgment in the recent judicial review; specifically those who joined Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) under the arrangements in place until the programme was suspended on 7 November 2006.

Established since 2001, our team of qualified and experienced advisers are registered with the OISC to level 3, the highest level of representation. We will ensure that your application is given the best chance for success.