On Monday 30 June 2008 UK Border Agency will fully implement Tier 1 of the new points based system. On that date they will complete the roll-out of Tier 1 (General) worldwide and introduce the Entrepreneur, Investor and Post Study Work categories. Tier 1 replaces eight former immigration categories:

The categories that will close are:

• the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP);
• business people;
• writers, composers and artists;
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
• International Graduates Scheme;
• innovators;
• investors;
• self-employed lawyers.

Any applications made under these categories on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and will be considered as invalid.

Anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these categories who wishes to extend their leave will need to apply under the appropriate Tier 1 category when their existing permission to stay ends.

All Tier 1 applications must be made by post; it is not possible to make your application at a public enquiry office.

Tier 1 of the points-based system covers highly skilled migrants. The tier will consist of four sub-categories:

• Tier 1 (General);
• Tier 1 (Investors);
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs);
• Tier 1 (Post Study Work).

Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

Unlike the work permits or business people schemes, you do not need a job offer or detailed business plan to apply for Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language, and available maintenance (funds).

Purple Squirrel has seen the points scheme, and it will give potential job seekers the opportunity to be granted their right to enter the UK and therefore to apply for jobs while still overseas. In terms of filling the UK job shortages in key skill sets and encouraging more diversity this change by the UK Borger Agency is aimed at simplifying the process.

You can only apply for Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker now if you are:

• in the United Kingdom and want to make an initial application for the Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker category;
• already in the United Kingdom under Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category;
• already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into Tier 1.
• applying in India for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as ‘entry clearance’) in the Tier 1 (General) - highly skilled worker category.

If you are applying in India, you can download the guidance, self-assessment and personal details application forms from the VFS website - http://www.vfs-uk-in.com/pbsguidance.aspx. VFS is a commercial company operating visa application centres throughout India on behalf of the UK Border Agency. VFS will forward applications to the British high commission or appropriate deputy high commission for consideration. Please contact VFS or your nearest visa application centre if you have any questions about making an application in India.