UK Tier 1 Visa India
It is now the Tier-1 visa that is required to enter UK and work as a skilled worker, replacing age old formats including Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP), International Graduates Scheme (IGS), Entrepreneur Visa
or the Innovator Visa.
UK Tier 1 Visa comes with all new points based system. The scheme commenced for India from April1, 2008 and for the rest of the world it became applicable from June30, 2008.
The eligibility criteria have been modified to minimum of a Master’s degree or salary at least more than 20,000 (from the previous job), if the person does not hold a job in UK, besides an IELTS (International English language Testing System) score to be 6.5 bands. It implies that the rules make it tougher for Indian migrants to move to UK.
Again, in the new point based system, the applicants must have minimum of 75 points to qualify for Tier-1 visa. Out of 75 points, English language has been assigned 10 points and maintenance carries 10 points. Maintenance implies that the applicant has access to some fund by which he can maintain himself as well as any dependents in UK.
What is the first step for applicants of Tier 1?
The Tier-1 visa applicants need to take a self-assessment test through online tool. There exist a points based calculator that helps provide an applicant with the summary of the information given by him/her such as age, qualifications and previous earnings.
What are the distinct categories of Tier-1 Visa?
Tier-1 HSMP Highly Skilled Visa, Tier-1 Post study work visa, Tier-1 investor’s visa and Tier-1 Entrepreneur’s visa.
Impact on India
The new point based system of UK Tier 1 Visa requires 10 points for maintenance and this particular norm is quite a departure from the earlier version. Here Indian population might find it difficult in some cases to suffice to the clause. The amount is fixed at account balance of minimum of £2800 for himself and £1600 for dependents if any.
