Tier 1

High-value Migrants

Tier 1 of the points-based system is for high-value migrants and currently contains 5 categories:

This category is available to exceptionally talented and highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs wanting to work in the UK.

Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)

This section describes the new Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) category of the points-based system, for people who are recognised or have the potential to be recognised as leaders in the fields of science, arts and humanities. This category is not yet open.

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

This category of the points-based system is for people who want to set up or take over, and be actively involved in running, a business or businesses here.

Initial Applications

The table below shows how you can score points if applying to enter the UK under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), or to switch into Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) from another immigration category.

You have access to not less than £200,000 or You have access to not less than £50,000 from: 1 or more registered venture capital firms regulated by the Financial Services Authority;1 or more UK entrepreneurial seed funding competitions listed as endorsed on the UK Trade and Investment website, or1 or more UK government departments, which have made the funds available for the specific purpose of establishing or expanding a UK business.	25 points
These funds are held in 1 or more regulated financial institutions	25 points
These funds are disposable (free to spend) in the UK	25 points
English language
You can speak English to the required standard	10 points
Maintenance
You have enough money to support yourself while you are in the UK	10 points

Extension Applications

If you are already in the UK under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), or as a business person or innovator under the former Immigration Rules, Vira international will be able to assist you with your application to extend your stay under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur). Please email anjum@vira.co.uk

Tier 1 (Investor)

This category of the points-based system is for people looking to make a substantial financial investment in the UK. You will be awarded points based on your ability to invest £1,000,000 in the UK.

You can apply under the investor category if you are currently:

In the UK and want to switch as Investor.
Already in the UK in the Tier 1 (Investor) category or the former 'Investor' category, and want to extend your permission to stay here under Tier 1 (Investor);
Applying for permission to enter the UK (known as 'Entry Clearance') in the Tier 1 (Investor) category.

Tier 1 (Post-study Work)

This category of the points-based system is for people who want to work here after recently graduating from a UK university.

The Tier 1 (Post-study work) category allows the UK to retain the most able international graduates who have studied here. It also enhances the UK's overall offer to international students. During their permission to stay here, post-study workers can look for work without needing to have a sponsor.

The category provides a bridge to highly skilled or skilled work. If we give you permission to stay as a post-study worker, we expect that you will switch into another tier of the points-based system as soon as you can.

Tier 1 (General)

This section describes the Tier 1 (General) category of the points-based system, for highly skilled workers. This category is now closed to applicants outside the UK, and to migrants who are already here in most other immigration categories.