Since 29th June 2008 the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme has been replaced by the new tier system; Tier One in particular. The new tier immigration system was brought into play in order to make immigration into the UK a lot easier.

Skilled migration plays a key role within the UK; it helps to keep the economy globally competitive, which is why the introduction of Tier One of the UK’s new immigration system is so important. Tier one of the new five tier points based immigration system allows highly skilled individuals to immigrate to the UK without any kind of sponsorship from an employer; even though Tier One is for employment based immigration. This is because you are free to seek employment anywhere in the UK. Some examples of the people who are classed as highly skilled individuals are doctors, scientists, engineers, MBAs, and other educated workers. Basically you should consider applying for tier one of the new immigration system if you can speak English, have earned at least the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree, and can show that you have earned a relatively good income in your home country.

In order to be successful when applying under Tier One of the immigration system you need to gain 75 points. These points are awarded according to certain categories, which include age, qualifications and previous earnings. Examples of how you can score points are as follows:

Age:
If you are aged 30 - 31 you will be awarded 5 points
If you are aged 28 - 29 you will be awarded 10 points
If you are aged 27 or under you will be awarded 20 points

Qualifications:
Candidates with a PHD will be awarded 50 points
Candidates with a Masters Degree will be awarded 35 points
Candidates with a Bachelors Degree will be awarded 30 points
(In cases where qualifications were gained in Britain, 5 bonus points may be added).

Previous earnings:
(Figures will be weighted to take account of the country in which they were earned to determine a United Kingdom equivalent value)
40,000 + = 45 points
35,000-40,000 = 40 points
32,000-35,000 = 35 points
29,000-32,000 = 30 points
26,000-29,000 = 25 points
23,000-26,000 = 20 points
20,000-23,000 = 15 points
18,000-20,000 = 10 points
16,000-18,000 = 5 points

Tier One of the UK’s new points based system will not only replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, it will also replace the following:

• Investors
• Self-employed lawyers
• Businesspersons
• Writers, Composers and Artists
• The International Graduates Scheme
• Innovators
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme

If you were planning to apply to gain entry to the UK under any of these categories then you will now have to apply via the Tier One of the new immigration system.

Within each of the categories that are mentioned above points will be earned according to sets of criteria; these are as follows:

Criteria specific to each category, such as age and past experience in regards to the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category. Migrants will need to score at least 75 points to pass.

English language ability. Migrants will be required to score 10 points in an assessment of their English language competency.

Ability for migrants to support themselves and any dependants, this is often known as maintenance. In this category migrants need to score 10 points by demonstrating that they have sufficient funds for their stay in the United Kingdom until they find employment. Sufficient funds are judged against the latest standard of living figures.

Helen is the web master of Immigration Consult, specialists in all aspects of Tier One of the new UK immigration service.