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

Read more...

United Kindom

Terms & Conditions of uk VISA

This website is maintained for your personal use and viewing. Access and use by you of this site constitutes acceptance by you of these Terms & Conditions, which take effect from the date of first use. Throughout this document, the terms 'we', 'us' and 'our' refer to Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) and the terms 'you' and 'your' refer to you the user.

Introduction
If you are not sure whether you require a visa to visit the United Kingdom, you should check before making an application. You can do this by using the questionnaire 'Do I need a visa' on the UKvisas' website. If you are applying for an adoption visa, you should consult our adoption helpfile. This site is not intended for UK Overseas Territory applications. For further information you should visit http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk..

This site contains electronic application forms that allow you to apply for a UK visa or entry clearance over the Internet using a secure connection. The correct application form and questions will be generated depending on the answers you give. You will be given the option to edit your answers at the end of the process, but before final submission.

Declaration

Before final submission of the electronic application, you will be required to confirm that you have read the Declaration by signing in the box provided. You should do this by entering your name. This Declaration must be signed by you, the applicant, personally, and not by a representative or other person acting on your behalf. An application for a person under the age of 18 may be completed by the parent or legal guardian.

Read more...

VISA CATEGORIES

There are several different types of visa which will allow you to enter and remain in the UK for up to six months (except where stated below).

The visa you choose depends on your reason for visiting the UK and how long you plan to stay. You can apply for a visa under one of the

following categories:

• General visitor (visiting family, friends or as a tourist)

• Child visitor

• Business visitor

• Student visitor

• Academic visitor (can remain up to 12 months)

• Sports visitor

• Entertainer visitor

• Visiting for the purpose of getting married or entering into

a civil partnership

• Visiting for the purpose of seeking private medical treatment

• Visitor in transit.

Please note the list above is not exhaustive

BEFORE APPLYING

Note: If you have travelled to the UK recently and have evidence of your visit in your current passport, you might qualify for a temporary

exemption to the new visa requirements.

What do I need to know?

Whichever category you fall into, your visa application must be backed by evidence in the form of original documents.

How do I qualify for a visitor visa to the UK?

To qualify for a visitor visa you will need to show that:

• you want to visit the UK for no longer than six months;

• you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit; and

• you have enough money to support yourself while in the UK, without working or needing access to public funds.

What if I only want to transit through the UK, without visiting?

If you only wish to transit through the UK without visiting, or leaving the airport, you will need to apply for a Direct Airside

Transit Visa (DATV).

How do I qualify for a Direct Airside Transit Visa?

To apply for a DATV, you will need to show that:

• you have booked an onward ticket from the UK for travel within 24 hours of your arrival;

• you will not need to change airport in the UK;

• you have all the correct documents that you need to enter the country you are travelling to; and

• you will not need to pass through Immigration Control in the UK.

What if I travel to the UK regularly?

If you travel to the UK regularly, for example on business, you may like to apply for a long-term visa. The long-term visa is subject to the usual visitor conditions including a maximum stay of six months at any one time. It is also valid for multiple entries over one, two, five or ten years,

depending on which option you choose.

There are different requirements for other visitor visa categories.

How do I apply for my visa?

Contact our offices and speak to any of staff for information.

AFTER APPLYING

What happens after I have applied?

Once your application is processed, your passport and any supporting documents will be returned to the VAC for collection.

How long will it take?

The majority of visa applications are processed in less than five working days, but this process can sometimes take from 5–15 days. This is why you should apply for your visa as early as possible in advance of your planned travel date.

How long will my visa be valid for?

Your visa will normally be valid for up to six months and you can enter the UK as many times as you want during this period. Your visa will be valid from the date you intend to travel.

Read more...

WORK PERMIT VISA GUIDANCE

To assist the Embassy to process your visa application, you will be required to submit the documentary evidence listed below. Supporting documentation should be originals with translations where applicable and a full set of photocopies, size A4, should also be submitted. Your application will be refused if we find that any of the supporting documentation is forged.

Please submit all of the documentation requested, if applicable. The documents you submit will not be checked at the time of receipt (other than to ensure that copies and translations have been submitted in the correct order). Failure to submit the requested documentation may result in your application being refused.

Please ensure that you are applying under the correct category before submitting your application. If you apply under the wrong category, your application may be refused.

1. Your completed visa application form VAF2 and 1 recent passport sized colour photograph with light background.
2. Your current passport and any other passports you have held.
3. Your household list / Family members’ list
4. Your identity card
5. Your completed insert form of family details (this form is provided with the application form at the Embassy or can be obtained separately)
6. Your valid UK Work Permit
7. Your Labour Contract (terms and conditions) with UK employer
8. Your employment CV and supporting evidence (if applicable) or other evidence of relevant work experience
9. Your qualifications
10. Evidence of your savings and property
11. Your marriage certificate
12. Evidence of Immigration Status of any of your family members who are currently in the UK
13. Visa processing fee is payable at the time of lodging your application. (This fee is subject to periodic review). Please note that the visa fee covers the processing of the application and is not refundable in the event that the visa is refused.

The visa section of the British Embassy in Rangoon is open for applications from 0815 – 0945 (Mon to Thurs) and for telephone enquiries from 1330-1630 (Mon to Thurs) and 1100-1300 (Fri). Our contact details are 80 Strand Road, Rangoon, tel 95 1 370863, fax 95 1 370866, email consular.Rangoon@fco.gov.uk

For more information please refer to the UK Visas website at www.ukvisas.gov.uk or www.ukinburma.fco.gov.uk.

Read more...

Changes to the UK Work Permit Forms and Guidance Notes

The Home Office has recently announced some subtle changes to the UK work permit forms and guidance notes. The new application forms and guidance notes should be used for applications sent to the UK Border Agency for UK work permit applications made on or after April 1^st 2008. These changes have come about following the change in name of the UK Border and Immigration Agency to the UK Border Agency.

The UK work permit application forms and guidance notes have been re branded to reflect this change in name: UK work permit forms are now branded as UK Border Agency. Secondly, UK work permit application forms for non Bulgarian and Romanian nationals, and the corresponding guidance notes, will only be available via the new UK Border Agency website. This can be accessed at http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk.

The Home Office has also reported that previous versions of the UK work permit application forms will continue to be accepted by the UK Border Agency

You will be able to access these new forms either using the link above or by calling the Home Office distribution center on 0117 344 1471.

Please remember that UK work permit arrangements will change during 2008 – 9. The new points based system will then come into force. We will continue to bring you further information surrounding this change.

Read more...