UK Skilled Worker Visa

The new UK “Highly Skilled” Tier would be implemented starting in April 2011. The Tier 1 General Visa, formerly known as the Highly Skilled Migrant Program, has been superseded by this new type of visa (HSMP). Since December 23, 2010, Tier 1 (General) applications from outside the UK are no longer being accepted by the UK Border Agency.

Entrepreneurs, investors, and a small number of individuals who fall under the exceptional skill criteria would be eligible for immigration into the UK under the new Highly Skilled Tier Visa. The new Tier 1 immigration system will prioritise businesspeople and elite athletes, scientists, and artists.

As a result, starting in April 2011, only a small number of entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals with special skills would be allowed to enter the UK using the new Highly Skilled Tier Visa.

New Proposed Immigration Changes announced by the UK Government

The UK Government has explained the long-awaited and expected reforms to the UK immigration system. A permanent immigration cap on skilled immigrants, a new exceptional talent visa, additional requirements for skilled workers with a job offer, and intra-company transfers are among the changes that took effect in April 2011, according to The UK Border Agency (UKBA). The regulations governing the sponsorship of non-EU workers will also undergo considerable revisions.

It was proposed that a new “Exceptional Talent” visa would be developed in its stead, and that the Tier 1 General Skilled Immigration Visa would expire with effect from April 6, 2011. The UKBA declared that, starting on April 6, 2011, the “exceptional talent” visa category will have an annual restriction of 1,000 visas, whereas the annual maximum for Tier 2 visas is set at 20,700.

The UKBA clarified that the entire number of Tier 2 visas will be split into 12 monthly quotas of 1,500 spots. Additionally, the potential employer must get the certificate of sponsorship within three months of the employer receiving it. In accordance with the newly established regulations, businesses must get a certificate of sponsorship from the UKBA for a particular position. At the moment, sponsorship certificates are distributed annually.

If they are employed in graduate-level positions in the UK, speak intermediate English, and fulfil certain income and employment conditions, all non-EU employees would be eligible for the Tier 2 visa.

Changes to the Tier 2 visa intra-company transfer route are also in the works, including the need that candidates for this visa category have a position on the list of graduate occupations. If the worker plans to stay in the UK for longer than a year, he or she must also be employed in a profession that earns more than £40,000 annually. For employees who make more than £40,000 a year, a three-year visa is available with the option of a further two-year extension.

The amount of employees who can enter the UK via the intra-company transfer route for Tier 2 visas, however, is unrestricted.