23 June 2008
The UK Border Agency has today announced that on Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of the new points-based system will be launched globally. On 30 June 2008 UK Border Agency will extend Tier 1 (General) from the UK and India to the rest of the world and will introduce the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Post Study Work) categories. As of 30 June 2008 the following categories will be abolished:
- the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP);
- business people (persons intending to establish themselves in business);
- Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
- International Graduates Scheme;
- innovators;
- investors;
- self-employed lawyers and writers;
- writers, composers and artists.
The UK Border Agency have confirmed that any applications submitted under the abovementioned categories on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and will be considered as invalid. Any individuals who are currently in the UK under one of these categories and who wish to extend their stay in the UK will need to apply under the appropriate Tier 1 category of the points-based system when their existing visa ends. All Tier 1 applications must be made by post and will not be eligible for the "same day service" at a UK Border Agency public enquiry office.
Tier 1 of the points-based system covers highly skilled migrants and will consist of the following four sub-categories:
- Tier 1 (General);
- Tier 1 (Investors);
- Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs);
- Tier 1 (Post Study Work).
The UK Border Agency have confirmed that they will be publishing information about the new sub-categories on 30 June 2008. Further details will be noted on our web site as soon as they are available.