UK IMMIGRATION NEWS

UK Points Based System for Skilled Migrants (HSMP) Visa, Starts June 30

Friday, 27 June 2008

UK's new points based immigration system, referred to as “Tier 1 (General)”, will go into effect on June 30, 2008 for all individuals looking to immigrate to the UK as a general highly skilled migrant.

On the 30th, the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) will be completely replaced (the HSMP is still in effect for applicants from the rest of the globe until 29 June 2008).

In its place, three new sub-categories of Tier 1 will be introduced: Tier 1 (Investors), Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs), and Tier 1 (Post-Study Work). These three sub-categories will replace the following immigration categories:

• Investors scheme
• Businesspersons scheme
• Innovators scheme
• International Graduates Scheme
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland
• Self-employed lawyers scheme
• Writers, composers and artists scheme

For reference, Tier 1 (General) for highly skilled migrants other than entrepreneurs and innovators has been in effect for applicants already in Britain since 29 February 2008. On 1 April 2008, Tier 1 (General) was implemented for applicants based in India. The new Tier 1 (General) points system for age, past earnings, UK experience, and education have not changed much from the HSMP.

However, English language requirements are slightly more difficult, with the UK now using Level C1 on the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning as a baseline for acceptable English. On an International English Language Testing System exam this would equate to an approximate overall band score of 6.5.

In addition, funds requirements that show applicants can support their stay in the UK are also different from the HSMP. There are two sets of Maintenance funds with applicants from within the United Kingdom showing that they have had GBP 800 in savings at all times during a three month period prior to the date of their application and people applying from abroad showing GBP 2,800 in savings for three months.

"The UK is a fantastic place to work and develop for those with the skills we need," said Immigration Minister Liam Byrne in a press release. "A points system has worked well in Australia and I think it will work well for Britain."

If you are interested in living & working in the UK, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to the UK.