Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa

What is Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa?

The Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa category allows highly skilled people to come to the UK to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

Who can apply as a highly skilled worker?

Unlike sponsored skilled workers (who are covered by Tier 2 of the points-based system), you do not need a job offer if you are applying as a highly skilled worker. When you apply, you are awarded points based on your qualifications, your previous earnings, your UK experience, age, your English language skills and your maintenance (funds).

You can apply under Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa if:

• You are already in the UK with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa.
• You are already in the UK under Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa and you want to extend your permission to stay under this category.
• You are already in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), you want to extend your stay and you are eligible to switch into Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa.
• You are outside the UK and eligible to apply for permission to enter (known as 'entry clearance') under Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa.

What points you have to score to apply as a highly skilled worker

To apply under our points-based system and be accepted into the highly skilled worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment. You must score:

• 95 points if you are curently in the UK with permission to stay under Tier 1 Highly Skilled Visa, under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, as a Writer, composer or artist, or as a Self-employed lawyer.
• 100 points if you are currently in the UK with permission to stay in any other immigration category, or if you are currently outside the UK.
• 10 points for maintenance (funds).