The Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Migrant sub-category has changed very little from the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme [HSMP], however the MBA provision has been removed - so those on the MBA provision list of MBA Universities will no longer be able to claim an automatic 75 points.
NOTE: In-country applicants must apply using this new system [and not the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme]. Applicants residing outside of the UK can still apply under the old HSMP rules, unless the applicant resides in India.
The following tables show the amount of points a potential migrant can score for specific criteria. A score of 75 [as with the previous HSMP] is required for points (1) to (6) and additional 20 points is required for points (5) & (6):-
(1) Qualifications
30 points 35 points 50 points
(2) Previous Earnings
Like the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme , the General Highly Skilled Migrant's points for previous earnings are calculated by converting non-sterling currency to Sterling, then the sterling figure is converted to points, taking into account the relative difference in the level of earnings between countries and the exchange rate. Earnings are dependent on the country they are earned. For a full break down of your eligibility you will need to complete the skilled points calculator for GHSM .
| In pounds per year | Points scored |
| £16,000 - £17,999 | 5 |
| £18,000 - £19,999 | 10 |
| £20,000 - £22,999 | 15 |
| £23,000 - £25,999 | 20 |
| £26,000 - £28,999 | 25 |
| £29,000 - £31,999 | 30 |
| £32,000 - £34,999 | 35 |
| £35,000 - £39,999 | 40 |
| £40,000+ | 45 |
(3) Age Bands:
Under 28 28 or 29 30 or 31
20 10 5
(4) UK Experience
Previous Earnings or Qualifications gained in the UK:- 5 Points
(5) English Ability
Applicants must show that they are proficient in English by proving one of the following:
* They must have passed a test in English equivalent to level C of the council of Europe's common European Framework for Language Learning
* Come from a country where English is the majority language spoken [Antigua and Barbuda; Australia; The Bahamas; Barbados; Belize; Canada; Dominica; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; New Zealand; St Kitts and Nevis; St Lucia; St Vincent and Grenadines; Trinidad and Tobago and the United States of America]
* Have take a degree taught in English (this is verified by using the National Academic Recognition Information Centre - International Work Permits can verify this on your behalf)
* Successful proof of one of these criteria will earn the required 10 points for the English language requirement.
(6) Maintenance
Applicants will be required to score 10 points by proving they can support themselves and any dependants.
Migrants wishing to extend their stay in the UK under the Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Migrant [GHSM] sub-category will be required to score 75 points under the current points system in place at the time of their extension for further leave to remain in the UK and an addition 10 points for English ability and 10 points for Maintenance are now available. However, the English language requirement and the need to show maintenance will be waived, and extra points for experience working in the UK can be achieved for those who could not previously score these points i.e. HSMP extension applicants.
Apply for the current scheme by contacting International Work Permits for a FREE assessment: +44(0) 207 866 8170 alternatively, click here for our Tier 1 GHSM calculator to get an instant answer whether you qualify under the new rules.
