UK Immigration: Tier 1 (General - Highly Skilled Worker)
The UK is rolling out a new multi-tier points based system to replace the HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant) system.
As announced on the official home office site the system is now in effect as of 1st March 2008.
The main differences between this and old HSMP are:
1. Tier 1 has higher application fees. It costs £750 (£ 350 if already approved under HSMP).
2. Proof of funds amounting to a minimum of £2800 for personal upkeep.
These are the two obvious and most significant differences but there are many more, such as stringent background checks.
I have wanted to apply for a permit under the HSMP system but I will have to apply for this new Tier 1, General Highly skilled visa. I took the self evaluation and under the new point system calculations I still qualify to proceed with application. Home Office is not yet taking applications for my country(South Africa) so I will have to wait a bit longer.
Things are definitely changing during 2008 with the UK immigration policy There are promises to make entry difficult for those they see unfit to deserve the privilege of living and working in the UK. I just hope when the time comes my application will sail through successfully.
technorati tags Emerald Hill, Tier+1,UK Immigration
September 7th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Would like to know if you did move to UK and how the tech job scene there is.