The UK Tier 1 visa is a part of the governments new points based system for immigration and replaces the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) visa. The new Tier 1 visa covers four sub-categories; entrepreneurs, investors, highly skilled migrants and foreign graduates of UK colleges and universities.

Under the new system, migrants wishing to come to the UK no longer need a job offer or spouse and are able to apply for work anywhere in the UK. The applicant must first pass the points based system to qualify for a Tier 1 visa, with a score of at least 75 points. Successful applicants can stay and work in the UK for three years; after this time a migrant can apply to renew their Tier 1 visa.

There are four sub-categories to the UK Tier 1 visa, these are:

Highly Skilled Migrant visa – This is now known as a Tier 1 General visa and is designed for highly skilled and educated migrants. The applicant must score a minimum of 75 points to qualify for a Tier 1 General visa. Points will be awarded for their age, qualifications, previous earnings and UK experience.

Entrepreneur visa – This visa is for individuals who want to invest in the UK by starting or taking over a business. To qualify for a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, at least £200,000 of disposable capital is required.

Investor visa – Is for people who plan to make a more significant investment can apply for a Tier1 Investor visa. This visa is designed for very well-off individuals and requires at least £1,000,000 of disposable capital.

Foreign Graduate visa – This is known as a Tier 1 Post Study Work visa and is for students who have studied and graduated in universities within the UK. It allows successful applicants to look for work after they have graduated, without having a sponsor.

The Tier 1 Post Study Work visa is only designed to bridge the gap to a Highly Skilled or skilled worker visa. It is expected that students with a Post Study Work visa will switch to another Tier 1 or other Tier visa as soon as they can.