UNITED KINGDOM IMMIGRATION

TIER 1 - Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
{formerly known as HSMP}

Introduction of TIER 1 (formerly known as TIER 1)
The United Kingdom's Tier 1 visa immigration scheme is part of the new points based system for employment-based immigration. Tier 1 visas will be for highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign graduate students. The Tier 1 scheme will replace the schemes that cover these immigration categories once it is implemented in early 2008. Tier 1 is designed to attract top talent from outside the European Union who can contribute the most to the UK economy.

Migrants coming to the UK under Tier 1 visas do not need a job offer or a sponsor and are free to seek employment anywhere in the UK. A person must successfully score 75 points under a points based system to come to the UK under Tier 1. Migrants who are successfully granted leave in the UK under Tier 1 can stay for three years. After three years, a migrant can renew their Tier 1 visa.

The Points Based System
In each category of Tier 1, points will be earned according to three sets of criteria:
Criteria specific to each category, such as age and past experience in regards to the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category. Migrants will need to score at least 75 points to pass.

English language ability. Migrants will be required to score 10 points in an assessment of their English language competency.

Ability for migrants to support themeselves and any dependants, otherwise called Maintenance. Migrants need to score 10 points in this area by demonstrating that they have sufficient funds for their stay in the United Kingdom until they find employment. Sufficient funds are judged against the latest standard of living figures.

Migrants will be required to reach the pass mark for each of the criteria above in order to gain entry under Tier 1 and to remain in the UK when seeking renewal of their Tier 1 visa after three years.

Documentary evidence for a migrant's ability to claim sufficient points will be required. As per the Immigration and Asylum Act of 2006, migrants applying from abroad will have no right of appeal when denied entry, so it is important to make sure this documentation is in order.

WHAT IS THE TIER 1 (HSMP)?

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is a visa category designed to let highly skilled individuals work in the UK in their field of expertise, by this means contributing to the development and success of the UK economy. It is suitable for candidates with well-developed and acknowledged skills in their field.

WORK PERMIT VS TIER 1 (HSMP)

The TIER 1 is more flexible than the work permit scheme because you do not require a specific job offer to apply and you do not need permission to change your employment at a later date. The HSMP is specifically designed to allow you to come to the UK to search for relevant job and self-employment opportunities. The only condition is that you must work within your field of expertise and become economically active as soon as possible.

It is possible to switch from work permit employment to the HSMP when already in the UK.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The TIER 1 runs on a points based system. Individuals need a minimum of 75 points to qualify.

The TIER 1 is usually issued for an initial period of 24 months with the option to extend for a further 3 years if the individual has been successful. After 5 years the individual will then be eligible to make an application for Permanent Leave to Remain in the UK.

TIER 1 - Points Scoring for the Highly Skilled Migrant Program
These are the areas where you can score points towards the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (UK TIER 1 Visa):

1. Age
2. Education
3. Earnings
4. UK Experience
5. English Language
6. Other Requirements for TIER 1
7. Your Final Points Score

IMPORTANT:
The above information is about the UK's new points based system, which has not been implemented yet. It's possible that information may change over the course of the following months, so please check back periodically.

(Note: Given below details are as per old policies of HSMP)

1. Age

20 HSMP Points

For New TIER 1 Applications:

• 30 or 31 years of age - 5 points
• 28 or 29 years of age - 10 points
• 27 years of age or less - 20 points

For HSMP Extension Applications:

• 32 or 33 years of age - 5 points
• 30 or 31 years of age - 10 points
• 29 years of age or less - 20 points

2. Education

50 HSMP Points

Qualifications have to be to the recognised British standard of Bachelors, Masters or PhD to be awarded the respective points towards HSMP for each level of qualification.

• Bachelors Degree (e.g. BA, BSc at least 3 years Honours degree/4 years) - 30 points
• Masters Degree (e.g. MA, MSc or MBA) - 35 points
• PhD - 50 points

You will score points based on your degree level qualification, or vocational and professional level qualifications. There are no extra points for a 4 year degree rather than a 3 year degree, or for having more than 1 degree at any given level (e.g. BSc or MSc and MBA). If you wish to score points based on vocational or professional qualifications you will need to show the equivalency of this to the relevant British Qualification. This must be validated with the National Academic Recognition Information Centre Database (NARIC).

3. Earnings

45 HSMP Points

This category requires you to demonstrate a minimum earned income in your country of residence to score points. In order to reflect differences in income levels across the world the level required to qualify varies depending where you live. The country you are living in (or where your income is earned) is considered, not your nationality.

For example a Chinese National residing and working in the United States of America would be required to demonstrate a minimum annual income level over the past twelve months of £26,000 in order to score 25 points, whilst a Canadian National working in South Africa would be required to demonstrate an minimum annual income level over the past twelve months of £8,100 to score 25 points.

It is important to note that not all income will be considered. Unearned income such as dividends from investments (unless it is in a company in which you are active in day to day management), property rental income, and interest on savings or funds received through an inheritance are not used when calculating your income. Earnings from part-time employment can also be considered.

You need to show your income in the country where you live now. Of course there are different levels of income depending on where you live. The country codes linked from below will establish this for you. All earnings need to be declared.

Country Code A Including Germany, France, Singapore, USA, Canada, Australia, Bermuda, Israel, Japan, South Korea.

• £16,000 per annum = 5 Points
• £18,000 per annum = 10 Points
• £20,000 per annum = 15 Points
• £23,000 per annum = 20 Points
• £26,000 per annum = 25 Points
• £29,000 per annum = 30 Points
• £32,000 per annum = 35 Points
• £35,000 per annum = 40 Points
• £40,000 per annum = 45 Points

Country Code B Including Poland, Brazil, South Africa, Libya, Hungary, Chile, Mexico, Estonia, Turkey

• £7,000 per annum = 5 Points
• £8,000 per annum = 10 Points
• £9,000 per annum = 15 Points
• £10,000 per annum = 20 Points
• £11,500 per annum = 25 Points
• £12,500 per annum = 30 Points
• £14,000 per annum = 35 Points
• £15,313 per annum = 40 Points
• £17,500 per annum = 45 Points

Country Code C Including Jamaica, Russia, Iran, Morocco, Peru, Tunisia, Thailand, Algeria, Romania

• £5,000 per annum = 5 Points
• £5,600 per annum = 10 Points
• £6,300 per annum = 15 Points
• £7,200 per annum = 20 Points
• £8,100 per annum = 25 Points
• £9,100 per annum = 30 Points
• £10,000 per annum = 35 Points
• £11,000 per annum = 40 Points
• £12,500 per annum = 45 Points
  

Country Code D Including China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Bangladesh

• £3,000 per annum = 5 Points
• £3,400 per annum = 10 Points
• £3,800 per annum = 15 Points
• £4,300 per annum = 20 Points
• £4,900 per annum = 25 Points
• £5,500 per annum = 30 Points
• £6,000 per annum = 35 Points
• £6,600 per annum = 40 Points
• £7,500 per annum = 45 Points

Country Code E Including Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda

• £1,400 per annum = 5 Points
• £1,600 per annum = 10 Points
• £1,800 per annum = 15 Points
• £2,000 per annum = 20 Points
• £2,300 per annum = 25 Points
• £2,550 per annum = 30 Points
• £2,800 per annum = 35 Points
• £3,100 per annum = 40 Points
• £3,500 per annum = 45 Points

4. UK Experience

5 HSMP Points

You can gain 5 points in this new category if:

• You have gained points in the past earnings category for earnings in the UK; OR
• You have studied and graduated at Bachelor degree level or higher in full time education in the UK, or at a UK based overseas educational institution for at least one academic year.

5. English Language

It is now a requirement of HSMP that you can evidence your English language ability. Suitable evidence of your ability to speak English to a sufficient level can include:

• an IELTS Test Report Form, issued in the two years prior to the date that the application was received by Work Permits (UK), at Band 6 or above; or
  
• Evidence that you hold a Bachelors degree that was taught in English, and is of an equivalent level to a UK Bachelors degree.

It is important to note that a Masters Degree or a PhD obtained in the UK will not be accepted as evidence of your English language ability. It may be the case that you have an English Language Certificate that is considered equivalent to IELTS Level 6, in which case this might be accepted as evidence of your English language ability.

6. Other HSMP Requirement

In addition to scoring at least 75 points in the above areas you will also need to demonstrate:

• Your ability to continue to work in your chosen field in the United Kingdom.
  
• That you have enough savings and/or potential income to be able to support yourself and your family. You will not be allowed any use of UK public funds (for example income support) whilst in the United Kingdom with permission to stay under the programme.
  
• That you are willing and able to make the United Kingdom your main home. We will ask you to provide a written undertaking to that effect. You will be expected to make the UK your country of habitual residence. Secondments abroad that are an integral part of a job based in the UK are permitted by HSMP, however they will be considered as time outside of the UK for settlement eligibility purposes. To qualify for settlement in the UK you must have spent a continuous period of five years in the UK except for short holidays or business trips. Any secondment that requires you to be outside the UK for a continuous period of over three months will make your previous stay in the UK ineligible as a continuous period in the UK.
  

7. Your Final Points Score

Add up your points score from the score areas above. You need a minimum 75 points and the other requirements listed from the below maximums:

• Age 20
• Education 50
• Earnings 45
• UK Experience 5

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DENMARK IMMIGRATION

DANISH GREENCARD SCHEME (NEW)

If you're planning to move Europe for work or live, either temporarily or permanently, you will need to have a Danish Immigrationa - and that is where we come in. Whether you are an individual or a business, we can help you increase your chances of securing the appropriate visa(s) for you or your company. We believe in providing personalised solutions and professional service for our clients. And if we don't think you need us, we'll tell you.

INTRODUCTION:

The Danish Green Card scheme allows you to live and work in Denmark if you can score enough points based upon criteria such as age, language skills, work experience, and education. If you score at least 100 points, you can obtain a residence permit valid for up to three years. In addtion, you will be able to bring your immediate family along.

As well as scoring 100 points, you must have a valid health insurance policy and be able to provide proof that you can support yourself and your family while you look for work in Denmark.

IMMIGRATION:

The purpose of the Denmark The Greencard Scheme to attract people with skills which would be of benefit to Denmark. If successful in applying for skilled migration visa, you will be granted permanent residence in Demark. In order to be eligible for Greencard Scheme, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy the following basic requirements:

THE DANISH GREENCARD POINTS BASED SCHEME

Under the Danish Green Card scheme, points are score under five areas: Education, Language Skills, Work Experience, Adaptability, and Age. It is also possible to score a number of bonus points for various factors described below.

Conditions
In order to be granted a residence and work permit under the Greencard scheme, you must attain at least 100 points. Points are given for: educational level, language skills, work experience, adaptability, and age.

You must have full health insurance covering you and any accompanying family members until you are covered by the Danish national health insurance.

You must be able to support yourself during your first year in Denmark. You need to document that you dispose of an amount equal to Danish start aid (starthjælp) for one year. The monthly start aid amount is (2008 level): DKK 4,926 for persons under 25 not living with their parents, DKK 5,940 for single persons over 24, DKK 4,926 for married/cohabiting persons over 24. Documentation can be a bank statement in your name.

1. Educational level

Your educational level will be assessed after it has been converted to its Danish equivalent for comparison. This is done as academic degrees vary from country to country, even if they are called by the same name. The Immigration Service will ask CIRIUS, a body under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, to assess your educational level.

In order to receive points for educational level, you must, as a minimum, have the equivalent of a Danish Bachelor’s degree. You will only be given points for one educational level. Points are given as follows:

Bachelors degree 30
Bachelors degree + 1 year Masters degree 50
Masters degree 60
PhD 80

You will be given bonus point if you graduated from a university which is internationally recognised for its high academic level according to the latest THES-QS World Ranking. Points are given as follows:

Top 400: 5 points.
Top 200: 10 points.
Top 100: 15 points.
See the top 400 list.

You will be given 10 bonus points if your education qualifies you to work in a field where Denmark is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. You can find these fields on the Positive List.

You can be given a maximum of 105 points for your educational level.

2. Language skills

Your language skills will be given points based on a four-level system modelled after the official Danish language proficiency tests for foreigners (the Danish Language Test, Levels 1, 2 and 3 and the Study Test in Danish as a Second Language).

In order to be given points for language skills, you must document that you have passed an exam in either Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German at a level corresponding to at least Danish Language Test, Level 1 (Prøve i Dansk 1). You can only receive points for one Scandinavian language and for either English or German. As such, you can receive points for both Swedish and English, or both Danish and German, but not for both Danish and Norwegian, or for both English and German.

Here is a list of foreign language exams with their corresponding Danish level. Only the exams listed qualify for points. Other exams do not qualify for points.

As an alternative to a language exam, you can document your language skills with a statement from a previous employer attesting that you have used Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, English or German on the job for at least one year, or by presenting documentation that you have completed at least one year of studies at a higher educational programme which was taught in one of these languages. This will be accepted as a level corresponding to that of Study Test in Danish as a Second Language (Studieprøven). Points are given as follows:

Level corresponding to Danish Language Test, Level 1 (Prøve i Dansk 1): 5 points.
Level corresponding to Danish Language Test, Level 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2): 10 points.
Level corresponding to Danish Language Test, Level 3 (Prøve i Dansk 3): 15 points.
Level corresponding to Study Test in Danish as a Second Language (Studieprøven) or higher: 20 points
You can be given a maximum of 30 points for your language skills.

3. Work Experience

Your work experience will be given points according to how many years, within the last five years, you have worked as a researcher or in a field where Denmark is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified professionals. You can see these fields and specific job titles on the Positive List. You can also be given points for other work experience. Points are given as follows:

1-2 years within the past five years as a researcher/in field listed on the Positive List: 10 points.
3-5 years within the past five years as a researcher/in field listed on the Positive List: 15 points.
3-5 years within the past five years, other work: 5 points.
You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your work experience.

4. Adaptability

You can be given points for your educational or work related attachment to the EU/EEA (including Denmark) or Switzerland, as this is seen to increase your ability to quickly adapt to the Danish labour market. Points are given for either education or work. Points are given as follows:

Completion of at least one year's study at a higher educational programme in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 5 points.
Completion of at least three years' study at a higher educational programme in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 10 points.
Or

At least one year's legal residence and work in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 5 points.
At least two year's legal residence and work in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland: 10 points.
You will be given 5 bonus points for Danish language skills (passed exam in Danish Language Test, Level 2 (Prøve i Dansk 2) or higher).

You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your adaptability.

5. Age

You can be given points based on your age. Points are given as follows:

35-40 years: 10 points.
34 years or younger: 15 points.
You can be given a maximum of 15 points for your age.

6. Duration

A residence and work permit under the Greencard scheme can be granted for up to three years with a possibility for extension of up to one year, provided that you have a permanent job or have held a permanent job which you have lost through no fault of your own (e.g. due to cutbacks) no more than three months before submitting your application for an extension.

Jobseeking in Denmark
There are several web portals, databases and cv banks which can be useful in the process of seeking work in Denmark. Read more about jobseeking in Denmark.

Special scheme for students at higher educational programmes
There is a special version of the Greencard scheme for students who complete a higher educational programme in Denmark.

Family members
If you hold a residence and work permit under the Greencard scheme, your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner, as well as any children under the age of 18 who are living at home with you, are also eligible for residence permits. Your family members must be able to support themselves and you must live together in Denmark at the same address. Your spouse, registered partner or cohabiting partner is allowed to work full-time for the entire period his or her permit is valid.

Total Passing marks required: 100 points

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CANADIAN IMMIGRATION

Why Immigrate to Canada?

• Canada is the second biggest country in the world in area (after Russia).
• Canada is a peaceful country with a politically stable democracy.
• Canada with its official policy of multiculturalism encourages immigrants to preserve their cultural values, language and religion.
• Canada is the 7th largest economic powerhouse in the world.
• Canada is a world leader in technology.
• Canada is world renowned for its peace keeping forces seen around the world.
• Canadian citizens & new comers to Canada enjoy universal free health care.
• Canada offers free primary & secondary school education.
• Canada offers a generous Social Security & Guaranteed Old Age Security Plan for all its people.
• Canada boasts some of the best universities in the world.
• Canada can take pride of its safe and clean neighborhoods.
• Canada has a market based free enterprise economy.
• Canada is bilingual – English & French.

VISADO DE GLOBAL ASSIST

Canadian Skilled Immigration Professionals in Karachi, Pakistan VISADO provide legal services relating to all of the legal avenues of immigration to Canada including:

• Independent Immigration (based on your skills);
• Business Immigration (based on your experience and ability to own and manage a business);
  Investor Immigration (based on a minimum personal net worth and willingness to invest a minimum amount of money in a passive investment);
• Immigration based on arranged employment in Canada;
• Refugee Immigration (based on persecution in your country of nationality);
• Sponsor Appeals (appeals to the Appeal Division from failed sponsorships);
• Federal Court Advocacy (in the event that you are appealing an adverse decision in your immigration case); and
• Humanitarian and Compassionate Landings from Inside Canada (for persons without status who are already in Canada)

Like any other country, Canadian Immigration policy is divided in two parts:

1. TEMPORARY ENTRY INTO CANADA:

• Visitor visa; (Tourist visa)
• Student Authorization; ( Student visa)
• Employment authorization; (Work permit)
• Live-in-Caregiver;
• Fiancee or Fiancé; (While in Canada )
• Humanitarian & Compensate ground; (While in Canada)

2. PERMANENT IMMIGRATION TO CANADA:

• Independent Class or professional class or skilled worker class;
• [Occupation under which application for immigration to Canada can be made.]
• Business Class;
• Self - employed class;
• Family sponsorship;

This means an individual can come to Canada under any of the above two broad classes.


Skilled workers and professionals: Who can apply—six selection factors and pass mark

Will you qualify?
If you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker, you will be assessed on six selection factors and a point system. Learn more about each factor by clicking on it.

1. Education (Maximum 25 points)
2. Ability in English and/or French (Maximum 24 points)
3. Experience (Maximum 21 points)
4. Age (Maximum 10 points)
5. Arranged employment in Canada (Maximum 10 points)
6. Adaptability (Maximum 10 points)

Total Maximum 100 points
Pass mark 67 points

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GENERAL SKILLED MIGRATION, AUSTRALIA

If you're planning to move Australia for work or live, either temporarily or permanently, you will need a visa - and that is where we come in. Whether you are an individual or a business, we can help you increase your chances of securing the appropriate visa(s) for you or your company. We believe in providing personalised solutions and professional service for our clients. And if we don't think you need us, we'll tell you.

IMMIGRATION:
The purpose of the Australia skilled migration scheme is to attract people with skills which would be of benefit to Australia. If successful in applying for skilled migration visa, you will be granted permanent residence in Australia. In order to be eligible for skilled migration, you or your spouse must be able to satisfy the following basic requirements:

Age: You must be under 45 years of age when you apply.

English language: You must have sufficient ability in the English language for working in Australia. This is known as vocational English.

Qualifications: You must have post-secondary (such as university or trade) qualifications, or in a small number of cases, substantial relevant work experience. You must get your skills assessed by the relevant Australian assessing body.

Nominated occupation: When you apply, you must nominate a skilled occupation which fits your skills and qualifications. Your nominated occupation must be on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) for more detaild about the SOL please visit us at our our office.

Recent Work Experience: Generally you need to show that you have worked in a skilled occupation for a set period of time. The amount of relevant work experience you must have is dependent on the occupation that you nominate. If you are an international student you may qualify for a waiver of this requirement.

Unfortunately, we don't have the space to provide you with all the possible Australian Visas available and their conditions, but here is some information on the most common ones to get you started:

1. Skilled Migration
3. Family Migration

Australia Immigration can be complicated process so we recommend you get professional advice and assistance from Australian Immigration Consultants.


Selection Factors and maximum Pass Marks under General Skilled Migrant category;

If you are eligible to apply as a Skilled Migrant, you will be assessed as given factors and a point system (maximum points table).

1. Skill (Maximum 60 points)
2. Age (Maximum 30 points)
3. English Language Ability (Maximum 25 points)
4. Specific Employment (Maximum 10 points)
5. Australian Employment (Maximum 10 points)
6. Australian Qualifications (Maximum 25 points)
7. Occupation in Demand (and job offer) (Maximum 20 points)
8. Designated Language (Maximum 5 points)
9. Studying and Living in Regional Australia (Maximum 5 points)
10. Partner Skills (Maximum 5 points)
11. State/Territory Government Nomination (Maximum 10 points)
12. Designated Area sponsorship (Maximum 25 points)

Total Passing marks required: 120 points

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