Highly Skilled Migrant Program
The UK has introduced a number of new UK immigration, naturalization, UK visa, work permit and UK working visa categories in the last few years. The skilled migration category, the Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP), introduced in January 2002, proved to be very successful. However, the HSMP has been replaced by Tier 1 (General), part of the UK's new five- tier points based system which will encompass all work, study and training immigration routes into the country. Tier 1 visa allows very highly skilled individuals (which includes doctors, scientists, engineers, MBAs, and other educated workers) to immigrate to UK without any kind of sponsorship from an employer. Tier 1 Visa immigration scheme is part of the new points based system for employment based immigration based on their qualifications, previous earnings, age and UK experience.
People seeking extensions to their HSMP are now required to extend their leave to remain under Tier 1 (General) for General Highly Skilled Migrants. Tier 1 is designed to attract top talent from outside the European Union who can contribute the most to the UK economy. Migrants coming to the UK under Tier 1 visas do not need a job offer or a sponsor and are free to seek employment anywhere in the UK. A person must score 75 points under a points based system to come to the UK under Tier 1. Migrants who are successfully granted leave in the UK under Tier 1 can stay for three years. After three years, a migrant can renew their Tier 1 visa.
Tier 1 has replaced the following immigration categories:
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)- Investors
- Self-employed lawyers
- Businesspersons
- Writers, Composers and artists
- The International Graduates Scheme
- Innovators
- Fresh Talent Working in Scotland Scheme
Who can qualify?
The General Highly Skilled Migrants sub- category—also known as Tier 1 (General)—is for highly educated and highly skilled migrants who can score enough points on their qualifications, previous earnings, age, and UK experience and is broken up into a number of sub- categories:
Entrepreneurs Individuals who plan to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over a business, and being actively involved in running the business can come to the UK under the Entrepreneur sub- category of Tier 1. At least £ 200,000 of disposable capital held in a regulated financial institution is required.
Investors
Individuals who plan to make a substantial financial investment in the UK can come under the investor sub- category of Tier 1. For this, a person needs at least £10,00,000 of disposable funds. Investors are exempt from the English language requirement and the requirement to prove the ability to support themselves and any dependants.
Post –Study Work This category is meant to retain the brightest foreign students who have studied in the UK. Students must apply for the Post study Work sub- category within 12 months of receiving their qualification.
If you would like to make an application under this immigration category or would like to speak with us regarding your eligibility for this program please call North American Immigration services(india)pvt.Ltd. during office hours Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm at 91-11-4160 5455 / 4160 5456, 91-93122 33065. Other query must be sent to visainfo@vsnl.net / visainfo_1998@yahoo.com.
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