Tier 1 (General) visas have replaced the HSMP visa scheme. Tier 1 (General) is very similar to the old HSMP visa programme.

Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled visas allow people to live and work in the United Kingdom without travel or employment restrictions. T1 General may be for you! The fastUKpermit Tier 1 (General) visa points calculator allows you to find out now whether or not you qualify by answering a few simple questions. You can begin your application instantly!

fastUKpermit has acted successfully for many clients in respect of visa applications. T1 (General) is a desirable UK visa to hold. Once approved, the visa will allow you to live and work in the UK on a long-term basis, for any employer of your choosing. You may also work as an independent contractor, or as a self-employed business person. Eventually it will lead to permission to reside in the United Kingdom indefinitely. Ultimately it will lead to British citizenship.

We are here to take the trouble out of Tier 1 applications. Our one aim is to ensure you obtain your visa approval promptly. Age, qualifications and English language criteria, along with the earnings & maintenance criteria are explained, showing how points are awarded. The detail of our consultation, application checking, and application preparation services, and our fees are also provided. If you think you qualify, contact us now.

All immigration advice will be provided by an adviser that is regulated by the OISC (Immigration Services Commissioner), for your piece of mind. Once we take on your case, your application will be prepared by a fastUKpermit lawyer that will be assigned to your case from start to success.

T1 General, an overview of the Visa

The Tier 1 (General) visa attracts individuals that have specialist skills in any area to the United Kingdom. The visa allows individuals and their dependents to live and work in the UK.

Applicants are generally interested in work opportunities in the UK with any employer of their choosing. Others hope to engage in self-employment opportunities as consultants, by starting their own business, or by joining another business as a director or partner.

T1 General is suitable for an extremely wide range of applicants as it encompasses all sectors of the economy such as financials, telecommunications, retail, services, and manufacturing. Managers, accountants, lawyers, academics, researchers, scientists, and clinicians are all covered, as the list is endless.

Eligibility is based on evidence of your age, educational qualifications, English language ability, earnings, and savings.

Qualifying for a Tier 1 (General) visa requires similar criteria to the previous Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) being met. An applicant?s qualifications, previous earnings, age, and any work experience or qualifications earned in the UK are considered. The overall minimum pass mark required in order to qualify in the T1 General visa category is 75 points.

UK Visa applicants in the T1 General visa category must be able to satisfy the language and maintenance requirements both of which have a pass mark of 10. Under the Points Based System emphasis is placed upon the ability of non-EEA nationals migrating to the UK to be proficient in the English language. In Tier 1, with the exception of those entering the UK as investors, this requirement is particularly important.

If you would like further information and personal advice, please complete our simple query form. 

Does Tier 1 (General) differ from a UK Work Permit?

The T1 (General) visa has some distinct advantages over a UK Work Permit. Firstly, T1 (General) offers more flexibility. Unlike a UK Work Permit, applicants do not need a specific job offer in the UK before they apply. T1 (General) also differs from the UK Work Permit scheme in that it does not require an employer to sponsor an individual, meaning that you will not be tied to an employer.

Can my Partner also work in the UK?

Under this scheme, the visa holder's family (partner and children) can enjoy the same benefits as UK nationals. This means that your family will have access to a free education, free healthcare and permission to work in the UK as they choose. There are no limits on the work they may perform.

How long will the visa be granted for?

Tier 1 (General) visas are granted for an initial period of 3 years.

Applicants may extend their leave for a period of up to 2 years, subject to satisfying the requirements of Tier 1 which are in force at the time of applying for an extension. However, points originally awarded for the applicant?s age at the time of their first application will be carried over as initially awarded.

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