The HSMP was introduced by UK in 2002, and on June 20 of that year their new system comprising of a 5 tier point based migration system, which includes the General Tier 1 UK visa Points Based System replaced the HSMP.

HSMP Services is dedicated to provide the best possible Immigration Services to the Highly Skilled Individuals who wish to apply under Tier 1 General Scheme for Highly Skilled from within the UK or from outside the UK.

Tier 1 General Scheme replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or HSMP and Tier 1 General Scheme is launched globally with effect from 29 June 2008.

The other Tiers or Levels of UK Visas are as follows:

• Tier 2 Visas for the UK
• Tier 3 Visas for the UK
• Tier 4 Visas for the UK
• Tier 5 Visas for the UK

Tier 1 : Tier 1 is the highest level of UK Visa available to Highly Skilled Individuals and High Networth Individuals who wish to come to the UK without any third party sponsorship on their own capabilities. Tier 1 Visa Scheme has following different categories under Tier 1:

• Tier 1 General for Highly Skilled
• Tier 1 Entrepreneurs
• Tier 1 Entrepreneurs
• Tier 1 Post-Study Work

In 1st Tier visa, highly skilled individuals who manage to score 75 points or higher can migrate to the UK without getting any sponsorship from potential employers. These highly skilled individuals include doctors, scientists, engineers, MBA’s and other educated workers.

The other noteworthy components of Tier 1 are:

• The visa aims at attracting the best, brightest and most talented migrants who would prove to be economically beneficial to the UK.
• The tier 1 UK Visa (for the General Migrant’s) is a visa that does not require an employment offer for its sanctioning. This is why this visa is effective in choosing the most highly skilled applicant for the UK.
• If you are a person who can speak English, has a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent and can prove that you can earn and support yourself in the UK, then the tier 1 General Migrant UK visa is the right visa for you.

Difference between Tier 1 UK Visa and HSMP : Basically, the tier 1 UK visa is similar to the HSMP; the only difference is that the MBA provision where those with MBAs from specific universities automatically get 75 points, has been removed. In addition to this, the requirements for a person to speak English is even more stringent. Thirdly, you no longer require two application forms - one for your Approval letter and the other for visa.

How to apply for a UK Visa Tier 1 (General) :   To get an extension and a tier 1 UK visa, you have to score 75 points with the point system used during your extension request. These 75 Points are awarded for “Attributes”, that comprise Age, Qualifications, Previous earnings and UK experience.

Separate points are given for English language ability and the availability of funds for maintenance. There is a possibility of the requirements for English language proficiency getting waived and extra points being allotted for work experience in the UK. However to qualify for the visa, you have to earn a minimum of 16,000 GBP during the 12 months of your earning assessment period. You must demonstrate that you have the level of English prescribed in the Immigration Rules and produce evidence of the required funds of 2800 pounds in addition to points obtained through the Attributes.

Note:
Visit the BIA Points Calculator  to check if you have scored enough points to be eligible for the Visa. If you are eligible and decide to go ahead for the visa application, you should complete application form VAF9 with your personal details. You will also need to complete Appendix 1 using the points Information obtained from the Points Calculator.

Categories in the Tier-1 UK visa : The UK tier 1 visa is issued in four categories; General, Entrepreneur, Investors and Post study work scheme.

• General- this category targets highly skilled candidates looking to enter the UK to look for and undertake employment.


• Entrepreneurs- this category has applicants investing in the UK economy to start or take control of a business. They have to be involved in the everyday running of the concerned business.


• Investors- this category targets individuals who will be making sizeable investments in the UK.


• Post-study work- this category caters to those looking for a bridge to those seeking employment in the UK, after completing a course of study in the UK. Unlike other categories, this stream of the visa lasts only for two years and is not considered towards permanent settlement in the UK. So people falling into this category who wish to remain in the UK have to switch their status to some other category of the points system as soon as possible to remain in the country.

What to do if your Tier 1 UK visa is rejected : If you have applied for a UK tier 1 visa and been refused, you can submit an appeal within 28 days of the issue of the refusal notice. If your application is from the UK, you have a right for appealing and your appeal will be accepted. In fact, details for your right of appeal and the form for completing and sending to the UK Border Agency will be provided with the refusal notice.