Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Worker

Unfortunately this visa is closed for all new applicants.

This route will only be open to applicants already in the UK as Tier 1 (General) Migrants, Highly Skilled Migrants, Self-Employed Lawyers and Writers, Composers or Artists who wish to apply for extension of stay under Tier 1 (General).

Different criteria under Tier 1 (General) are applicable for an extension of stay, depending on when your initial application for entry clearance or Leave to Remain was submitted to the British High Commission or Home Office.

How to qualify for an extension of your permit

If you are at the end of your initial two or threeyear period, and were last granted leave as a Highly Skilled Migrant, Writer, Composer or Artist, Self-Employed Lawyer or as a Tier 1 (General) Migrant under the rules in place before 19 July 2010, and you have not been granted leave in any other category under the rules in place since 19 July 2010, you must score at least 75 points for attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, UK experience).

If you do not fall into the group above, you must score at least 80 points for attributes.

In addition you must fulfill the English Language and Maintenance (Funds) requirement respectively.

Please use our assessment form to determine whether you qualify, or please contact us directly for assistance with your extension application.

Spouses and dependants

Your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner and dependant children may apply to join you in the UK.

The dependants will be granted the same period of leave as the main applicant and will be able to work without restriction in the UK.

Permanent Residence

After five years as a Tier 1 (General) permit holder you should be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain.

If a person decides to switch over from another permit that leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain that time should not be lost as it will normally be consolidated with the time spent under the Tier 1 (General) scheme.

There are exceptions to this rule so please contact our office for more information.