UK
- Overview
- UK Points Based System
- Basic Features of the Tier 1 Visa
- Who can apply?
- Eligibility
- Process
- Fees
- Y-Axis Evaluation
- Y-Axis Full Service & Processing
- FAQs
- The United Kingdom
- UK Success List
- UK Testimonials
Points Based System
The UK has now introduced a point based system (PBS) under which migrants are assessed for them to live, work, study or settle in the UK. The new PBS is aimed at identifying and attracting qualified migrants and to develop a more efficient, transparent and objective application process. The system consists of Five Tiers and each Tier has different point requirements.
Points are generally granted for criteria such as age, salary, experience and qualifications.
The Five Tiers
The points-based system consists of five tiers. These are:
- Tier 1 - highly skilled workers, investors, entrepreneurs, post study work
- Tier 2 - skilled workers with a job offer from a UK employer
- Tier 3 - low skilled workers filling specific temporary labour shortages (this is currently suspended)
- Tier 4 - students
- Tier 5 - youth mobility and temporary workers
Earning Points
There is a pass mark for each category which has to be met at the time of a new application or at the time of renewal of the visa. Points are earned for the following:
- Age, qualifications, previous earnings, past experience etc. It depends on which category one is applying for.
- 10 points are granted for those competent with the English language
10 points are granted for funds that are required for the individual to support himself and his family while in the UK. The figure is specified for each category.
Sponsors
Those applying under any tier except Tier 1 & Tier 5 Youth Mobility will need to be sponsored in order for their application to be successful. Sponsors are usually UK organizations / employers / Colleges & Universities (in case of students)
Dependents
Applicants may take their dependents along under all of the above Tiers. Dependents are permitted to work while in the UK
Dependents are not permitted to work if they are dependents of students (Tier 4) and temporary workers (Tier 5) AND if the main applicant has been given less than 12 months leave to remain in the UK.
For those with over 12 months, their dependents are permitted to work.
Documentary Evidence & Appeals
The individual will need to provide strong and accurate documentary evidence for any points claimed. Please note that it is absolutely essential to make a good application because under the Immigration and Asylum Act of 2006, if a migrant is applying from abroad and was denied entry – there is no right of appeal.
Overview
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If you are a skilled person looking for opportunities to live and work in the UK, the Tier 1 general visa or HSW visa is the right visa for you. This visa allows highly qualified workers to enter the UK and look for work or self employment opportunities. If applicants satisfy all requirements, the visa is initially granted for a period of 2 years.
The Tier 1 replaces the HSMP and is a single application process, irrespective of whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. The new Tier 1 system is a rigorous, fair and a more transparent system for highly skilled professionals to migrate to the UK, which will benefit its economy and protect its borders.
Unlike the sponsored work visa category, a job offer is not required to apply for this visa. It is a points based system and applicants should satisfy the requirements of age, English language ability, qualification, previous earnings, UK experience and maintenance funds.
Basic Features of the Tier 1 Visa:
(Top)- Allows you to travel to the United Kingdom and work initially for two years.
- This Visa may then be extended for another three years. The extension is on the basis of being able to support yourself without recourse to public funds and work experience gained.
- At the end of 5 years in the UK, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).
- Allows you to take your immediate family members & they too can work / study in the UK without restrictions
- Applicant’s dependents will have access to free public education and subsidized healthcare
- Process time 1-3 months
Who can apply for the Tier 1 HSW?
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Those who are eligible for apply for HSW visas are -
- Applicants outside the UK, who are eligible under the highly skilled worker category, can apply for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the Highly Skilled Worker category.
- Applicants who are in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in any of the immigration categories that allows them to switch into the Highly Skilled Worker category;
- Highly Skilled Workers are already resident in the UK and want to extend the permission to stay within the existing category
- Applicants residing in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, wanting to extend their permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the Highly Skilled Worker category.
Eligibility
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The applicant is assessed in a points test and must obtain at least 10 points each for English language ability and maintenance funds and a minimum of 75 points for the other criteria of age, qualifications, earnings and experience.
Age
- Applicants are awarded points according to age and can earn up to 20 points. Those over 40 do not earn points for age, but can easily meet the points by satisfying the other criteria.
Qualifications
– Points are granted if your qualifications are equivalent to Bachelors, Masters, PhD or if your qualifications are validated by NARIC, a UK body that assesses overseas qualifications to UK academic levels.
Previous Earnings
– Points are awarded for your previous earnings for a period of up to 12 months. Earnings are calculated using uplift ratios in order to bring down the difference in the level of earnings between countries.
UK Experience
– An additional 5 points can be scored for UK experience or if the applicant has possessed his/her degree in the United Kingdom, at least one full academic year within the last 5 years
English Language
– Proficiency in the English language is mandatory and 10 points are granted for satisfying this criterion.
Maintenance Funds
– It is mandatory to demonstrate your ability to support yourself and any dependents, for the entire duration of your stay in the UK without recourse to public funds. For those applying from outside the UK, the funds requirement for the principal applicant is £2,800 and an additional £1,600 needed for each dependant accompanying or planning to join the applicant within 12 months of their arrival in the UK.
If the applicant is in the UK, they need to show that they have at least £800 of personal savings, which should have been held for at least three months prior to the date of application.
Highly Skilled Workers Visa Process
Fees
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Application Fee: UK £690 per person.
Method of Payment
The fees can be paid in local currency. To find out what the local fees are and it can be paid, please contact your nearest visa application centre at http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/wheretoapply
For those signing up for our Full Service, details of all fees / forms & processes are provided along with step by step consulting & documentation services.
Cost: $22.00 for one country
Process time: 3 business days
Terms: This payment is non-refundable.
Before Y-Axis accepts your case for processing, we must be certain that you earn enough points and are able to provide documentary evidence to make a successful application. Before you apply for it, you must be certain you actually qualify.
Our Processing Team does a detailed review of your profile & assesses your education, your institution, & personal finances to determine if you are eligible apply for the visa. . If you score the necessary points your application is accepted for Full Service & Processing. Read more about Y-Axis Technical Evaluation
Click here to sign up for an evaluation
Full Service & Processing
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Use our professional services to apply for Highly Skilled Workers Visa. We have the experience of having processed cases from all over the world. No other consultant in the market has processed more HSW applications than us. You can count on our experience and success.
Our terms & conditions are clear along with a transparent system & clear policies. We only accept applications that we are confident will be a success. You have to first sign up for an evaluation & score 95 points before we accept your case.
Our Full Service & Processing Includes:
- Starter Kit issuance
- Complete Application Processing
- Forms, Documentation & Petition Filing
- Updates & Follow up with the Consulate
- Airport Pickup*
- Accommodation Assistance*
- Relocation Orientation
- Job Search Assistance*
*these services are provided at an additional cost.
Costs:
Evaluation
Cost: $22.00.
Process time: 3 business days
Terms: This payment is non-refundable.
If you score 95 points your application is accepted for Full Service & Processing.
Payment Options
UK 101
Lump-sum Fee: US$ 1100
Sign up within week of your evaluation & receive an early bird 5% discount!
UK 102
Sign up US$550
60 days from the date of sign up / before filing (whichever is earlier): US$550.
Y-Axis Refund Policy
Visa Denial - 25% refund. No refunds in cases of
- Fraudulent documentation
- Failure of Medicals (if required)
- Failure of Police clearance (if required)
- Insufficient Funds
NO Refund in case of:
- Non-submission of required documents in 30 days after sign up
- Withdrawal of application at anytime, for any reason after sign up
25% refund in the event the immigration rules change & you are found ineligible to apply for the HSW (Tier 1).
FAQs
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- What is the Tier 1 visa?
The Tier 1 visa is a points-based immigration system designed to bring in highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign graduates of UK educational institutions to work, study or establish their own business in the UK. This employment-based scheme allows highly skilled professionals who can contribute to the economy, to enter and work without restrictions. - Is sponsorship required to apply for the Tier 1 visa?
No, applicants do not need a job offer or a sponsor to apply for the Tier 1 and are free to seek employment anywhere in the UK. - What are the criteria on which points are granted?
Applicants should satisfy the requirements of age, English language ability, qualification, previous earnings, UK experience and maintenance funds. To qualify applicants need to score 95 points. To find out if you qualify for the Tier 1 visa, click here or send an email to consult@y-axis.com . - How are points calculated against the criteria?
To qualify applicants need to score 95 points. The applicant is assessed in a points test and must obtain at least 10 points each for English language ability and maintenance funds and a minimum of 75 points for the other criteria of age, qualifications, earnings and experience. - What is the difference between the Highly Skilled Migrant Program and the Tier 1 Highly Skilled Work visa?
The Tier 1 replaces the HSMP and is a single application process, irrespective of whether the application is made inside or outside the UK. The HSMP was a two stage application process - one applying for the approval letter and then applying for the entry clearance. - I hold a valid HSMP approval letter, am I eligible to apply?
If you hold a valid approval letter from Work Permits UK, Sheffield, you will be eligible to apply for Tier 1 entry clearance. However, you will be required to satisfy the requirement for maintenance. The application fee is currently lesser for applicants with a HSMP letter. - What are the maintenance funds that I need to show for my application to be successful?
Applicants need to prove that they can support themselves for the entire duration of their stay without recourse to public funds. If the applicant is outside the UK, the funds required for the principal applicant is £2800 and £1600 for every dependent applicant accompanying or planning to join the applicant within 12 months of their arrival in the UK. - How long is the visa granted for?
- Can I take my dependents on this visa?
Applicants can bring their dependants, including their spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and/or children under 18 with them. They have to prove their ability to support their dependents without seeking help from public funds.
- What are the rights and benefits my dependents are entitled to?
Dependents can work or study in the UK. Applicants and their dependents have access to free public education and subsidized tertiary education. - What is the application fee for the Tier 1 visa?
The application fee is the same for the principal applicant and the dependents - £ 690 payable in local currency, if you are applying outside the UK. - How can I find out if I am eligible to apply for the Tier 1 visa? How can I apply for the visa?
Our Processing Team does a detailed review of your profile & assesses your education, work experience, previous earnings & personal finances to determine if you are eligible apply for the HSW visa (Tier 1). To find out if you are eligible, please click here or send an email to consult@y-axis.com
If the applicant is in the UK, they need to show that they have at least £800 of personal savings, which should have been held for at least three months prior to the date of application.
The visa is initially granted for 2 years and can then be extended for another 3 years. At the end of 5 years in the UK, you may apply for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
The fee for applicants applying from inside the UK is £ 820 (post/courier) and £ 1020 (if applying in person)
The fee for those with valid HSMP approval letter is £ 400 (post or courier) and £ 600 (if applying in person)
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