During 2008 and 2009, the UK Border Agency introduced a new point-based system to replace most of its existing work-based categories. The popular 'Highly Skilled Migrant Program' has been replaced by the 'General Highly Skilled Worker (Tier 1)' system which is part of the new five-tier point based system. Investors and entrepreneurs can also apply for immigration to the UK under the Tier 1 business category.
Other common categories in this new system are Tier 2 (Sponsored Skilled Workers) and Tier 4 (Students). Full details about Tier 1 and Tier 2 can be found by using the menu on the left but the following table should give you a summary of their description and conditions.
| Category | Description |
| Highly Skilled Workers, Tier 1 (General) | You do not need to have a specific job offer but will need to demonstrate you are highly skilled, have money to support yourself and are able to speak English. |
| Entrepreneurs, Tier 1 (Business) | If you want to go to the United Kingdom as an entrepreneur, there are specific arrangements for you. |
| Investors, Tier 1 (Business) | If you want to invest in the United Kingdom you will need to demonstrate that you have the money to do so. |
| Sponsored Skilled Workers, Tier 2 | The Sponsored Skilled Worker category (Tier 2 General) is for people coming to the United Kingdom with a skilled job offer to fill a gap in the workforce that cannot be filled by a settled worker. Please note that to apply for this visa, you need to have a job offer in place. |
To find out more information about student visas (Tier 4) and the 'Post-Study Work' (Tier 1) category, you should refer to the 'Study Abroad' section of our website where you could find all the details and requirements to apply for a UK student visa.
The UKBA's points calculator online tool can be used to calculate how many points you have to see if you may be eligible to work in the United Kingdom under the points-based system (Tier 1 and Tier 2).
If you want to find out about a less common category that has not been addressed in this website, please contact us.
