In this post, we collected some faq’s that explains how you can go to the United Kingdom or remain there as a highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) under points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
What is the highly skilled worker category?
The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.
Who can apply as a highly skilled worker?
Unlike work permits (sponsored skilled workers – tier 2), you do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).
You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are:
- In the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as ‘leave to remain’) in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category;
- already in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category;
- already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the highly skilled worker category;
- applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as ‘entry clearance’) under the highly skilled worker category.
What is the HSMP Points Based Calculator?
Your eligibility for a HSMP will depend on how many points you are able to score in the Points Test. Points are awarded for age, qualifications, work experience, income etc. To enter the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) you need 75 points.
What is the Minimum Bank Balance Clause in the HSMP Tier1 application?
At present the waiting time is 14 weeks for Tier 1 HSMP Application. You will need to maintain 2800 GBP balance throughout for 3 months before you Apply. This is in section Z of Tier 1 General Application.
How long is the waiting time to process the HSMP Tier 1 Application?
The UK work permit through the HSMP supposedly takes 6 weeks to process assuming all credentials are accurate.
What is IELTS? Does the new Tier 1 system for UK immigration need IELTS? Is it necessary to complete English language proficiency test for an HSMP UK Visa ?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
As in the old HSMP IELTS, if your degree is attained through 4 years, you don’t require to take up the test. Check below for more details regarding the English Language Points System. But, Even though you have a degree in English you would still need to provide either a letter from your University stating your course was taught in English or have completed an IELTS test showing an overall band score of 6 or above.
Is it possible to work with in UK with a Dependent VISA? Do I need a work permit?
As a Dependant of an HSMP holder you are allowed to work full time in the UK without any restrictions.
I live in India. Is HSMP Scheme the only way to get permission to Enter UK?
Whether you live in India/Elsewhere, If you don’t qualify under the HSMP, you may be able to get a job offer from a UK company and get sponsorship. If not try a working holiday maker visa. Unless you have family connections, I think you need to apply for jobs in the UK before going there. Once you have secured a job, they would able help you apply for a work permit.
If you failed to score enough points on HSMP, you probably needed more experience or a higher salary to qualify. In the short-terms, either get a student visa and enroll for even higher qualifications or marry somebody with higher education and use his or her points in a re-application.
Worst Case, you can visit a consultancy for guidance.
How long can you remain out of uk on Hsmp Visa?
With a HSMP Visa you can stay out of UK for a maximum of 89 days after which your HSMP will not be renewed.
How Do you get a job offer in UK using HSMP?
The HSMP UK Visa scheme does no guarantee you a job. Its just a passport to enter the UK and seek jobs in the same way as any other uk citizen would via agencies or directly from employers.
If you qualify for HSMP, you should have no problem acquiring employment. The qualification process is designed to ensure only people whose skills are in demand are granted entry. The sensible course of action is to obtain your HSMP from your native country and apply for jobs online. Most Reputable IT firms will meet your traveling expenses to attend an interview, and you need not migrate until you have a secure job offer hence avoiding risk.
Firms who offer work under the employers entry visa will sort the whole process out for you once you secure a job offer. Again, all reputable firms will pay your travel expenses to attend interview.
Again, most employers don’t give job offer over the phone, and require you to be holding HSMP permit and also staying in UK.
If you have a hsmp visa that allows you to live and work in the UK. Does that mean you can bring your mom to UK to without having a UK Citizenship.
Once you have been in HMSP for five years, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and then for citizenship.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I QUALIFY FOR A TIER 1 (GENERAL) VISA TO THE UK?
- By completing the Free Eligibility Assessment you will have a better understanding of your eligibility to apply for a Tier 1 (General) Visa.
- For a detailed assessment of your eligibility you may purchase one of our Migration Services. By doing this, a Registered UK Migration Consultant will be assigned to your profile to provide you with more personalised service.
What are Processing Times and Costs?
| HIGHLY SKILLED WORKER (TIER 1 GENERAL) | OUTSIDE THE UK (ENTRY CLEARANCE) | INSIDE THE UK (FLR) |
| Government Application Fee | UK£675 | UK£820 |
| Advanced Migration Service | US$399 | |
| Premium Migration Service | US$1999 | |
| PROCESSING TIMES | 1-12 weeks | 4-16 weeks |
WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE TO APPLY FOR A TIER 1 (GENERAL) VISA?
- Take the Free TIER 1 (GENERAL) Visa Eligibility Assessment
- Complete the UK Migration Interview
- Commence the Visa application process
Resources:
ALL THE BEST to one and all who are applying for UK!!. But we beg you to come back again to India and do some good to OUR MOTHER INDIA !!
What happens if abdul kalam or Sachin Tendulkar applied for these Visas?
Guys our Country really NEEDS YOU !!
