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New requirements for Tier 1 (General) Migrants

The Tier 1 (General) scheme has replaced the former Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. Skilled workers both in the UK and overseas are able to apply to enter or remain in the UK under Tier 1 (General). However, the threshold of basic conditions and requirements for eligibility has been raised significantly since its introduction in 2008.

From 6 April 2009 all Tier 1 (General) applicants are required to have a Masters degree or better and must have earned at least the equivalent of £20,000 for the 12 months immediately before the date they are applying for the Tier 1 (General) permission.

Migrants already in the UK and who wish to extend their stay or who wish to switch to Tier 1 (General) status can apply to remain under Tier 1 (General) providing they have extant permission to remain in the UK in one of the following categories:

• Graduate or Post Graduate Student
• Tier 1 (Post-Study) visas
• Work Permit holders
• HSMP
• Tier 1 (General)