Specific requirements

Specific Requirements (Tier 1 visa)

Tier 1 visa is one of the most preferred choices for highly skilled migrants to enter the UK and the point based system is designed to allow foreign professionals to live and work in the UK in exchange for contributing to the economy of the country. Unlike other tier categories, tier 1 visa applicants are not required to possess sponsorship from a UK employer prior to entering the country. The Tier 1 process is based on the points scored by the applicant based on their performance in various areas of assessment.

As per UKBA points are awarded based on of the following categories:

Age: Applicants are awarded points based upon their age group. Applicants aged 40 or above are not awarded any points.

Age under 30 = 20 points
Age 30 to 34 = 10 points
Age 35 to 39 = 5 points

Qualifications: These points are awarded based on the applicant’s highest qualification achieved.

PhD = 45 points
Master’s degree= 35 points
Bachelor’s degree = 30 points

Earnings: Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves without taking any financial support from others or public funds. An applicant is awarded points for their current earning accordingly:

150,000 or above = 75 points
75,000-149,999 = 45 points
65,000-74,999 = 40 points
55,000-64,999 = 35 points
50,000-54,999 = 30 points
40,000-49,999 = 25 points
35,000-39,999 = 20 points
30,000-34,999 = 15 points
25,000-29,999 = 5 points

The applicant’s country and currency will be taken into account when calculating the points for earnings. The candidate is eligible to score a further 5 points if they can provide proof of earnings or any qualifications they have acquired during their stay in the UK.

For Tier 1 visa, the applicant must also satisfy the maintenance and language requirements, both with a pass mark of 10 points.