The UK Border Agency has announced changes to the criteria for Tier 1 (General) applications. The new criteria will be introduced from 6 April 2010. Highly skilled workers will still require a total of 95 points (75 for attributes, 10 for English language and 10 for maintenance). However, the points awarded for various attributes are to change as follows.
Qualifications
A PhD will continue to score 45 points and a Masters degree or equivalent vocational/professional qualification 35 points. Whereas a Bachelors degree did not previously score points, 30 points will be awarded going forward.
Previous earnings
This is where the most significant change can be seen. Applicants with previous earnings of more than £150,000 will be eligible to apply for Tier 1 (General) status even if they have no formal qualifications. The following points for earnings in any single, consecutive 12 month period during the previous 15 months will be awarded:
Under £25,000 0 points
- £25,000 - £29,999 5 points
- £30,000 - £34,999 15 points
- £35,000 - £39,999 20 points
- £40,000 - £49,999 25 points
- £50,000 - £54,999 30 points
- £55,000 - £64,999 35 points
- £65,000 - £74,999 40 points
- £75,000 - £149,999 45 points
- £150,000 or above 75 points
Age
Points will be awarded as follows:
- Over 40 years old 0 points
- 35 to 39 years old 5 points
- 30 to 34 years old 10 points
- 29 years old or under 20 points
UK experience
Five points will be awarded if the applicant's qualification
was obtained in the UK or if their previous earnings were earned in
the UK and were £25,000 or over.
Reduction of period of initial leave
Applicants will initially be granted leave for two years rather
than three years, as is currently the case. After two years
applicants will be able to extend their leave for a further three
years (with small differences to the points awarded for age and UK
experience).
Transitional arrangements will be put in place for migrants who applied for Tier 1 (General) prior to 6 April 2010.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.