UK Skilled Immigration

Tier 1 visas are for highly skilled individuals. Unlike other immigration routes, coming to the UK under Tier 1 does not require a job offer or sponsorship from a family member or organization.

Most people applying for immigration to the UK under Tier 1 do so under the Tier 1 (General) sub-category. The other three sub-categories include Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor), and Tier 1 (Post-Study Work).

Tier 1 (General) replaced the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), a points based system that was successful as well as controversial. This is the preferred choice for immigrating to the United Kingdom for well-educated, highly qualified individuals.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) replaced a similar scheme for foreign individuals who wish to start their own business or invest in a business in the UK.

Tier 1 (Investor) is basically for very wealthy people who want to relocated to the UK permanently.

Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) replaces previous schemes designed to give foreign graduates of UK universities a chance to find work in Britain with the aim of living there permanently.