Points-based system: Tier 1

Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

Unlike our work permits or business people schemes, you do not need a job offer or detailed business plan to apply for Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language, and available maintenance (funds).

You can only apply for Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker now if you are:

• in the United Kingdom and want to make an initial application for the Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker category;
• already in the United Kingdom under Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category;
• already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into Tier 1.
• applying in India for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') in the Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker category.

If you are applying in India, you can download the guidance, self-assessment and personal details application forms from the VFS website - see the link on the right of this page. VFS is a commercial company operating visa application centres throughout India on behalf of the UK Border Agency. VFS will forward applications to the British high commission or appropriate deputy high commission for consideration. Please contact VFS or your nearest visa application centre if you have any questions about making an application in India.

We will start accepting Tier 1 (General) applications in countries other than India later this year. Until then, if you are outside the United Kingdom in a country other than India, you can continue to apply under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

If you have an HSMP approval letter, you should read the section on transitional arrangements for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.