Throughout 2008, the United Kingdom has been overhauling its immigration law and implementing a points based system for non-European Union migrants wishing to come to the UK to work, study, and train.

The new immigration system is broken into a five tiers that will replace the 80 or so routes that have been used previously. Each tier will have different conditions, entitlements, and entry requirements for migrants wishing to work in the UK.

The following information provides a guide to the various types of UK visa applications for immigration purposes. More detailed information can be provided by one of our visa consultants.

Contact Ambler Collins at info@amblercollins.com or phone +44 (0)20 7371 0213

The Points Based System – Five Tiers Tier 1 – For those who are Highly Skilled, Entrepreneurs, Investors and Graduate Students - Tier 1 – Entrepreneurs Section - Tier 1 – Investors Section - Tier 1 – Post Study Work Visa Tier 2 – For those who have been offered employment by a UK Based company Tier 3 –For unskilled temporary workers (this category is currently suspended) Tier 4 – For those who want to study in the UK (this category will be implemented in early 2009, please see UK student visa’s for current criteria) Tier 5 – For young people who want to work in the UK temporarily

Other categories Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) For those who meet the requirements to have no further time restriction on their stay UK Ancestry For those who have grandparents born in the UK Extensions For those who want to be allowed to stay in the UK for longer than their visa allows Visitor/Tourist Visa For those who simply want to holiday in the UK Marriage to a UK citizen For those who have married a UK national and want to enter/remain in the UK Marriage to an EEA citizen For those who have married an EEA national and want to enter/remain in the UK Marriage to a person with Right of Abode For those married holders of a visa which allows permanent stay in the UK Unmarried Partners For couples who have lived together in a relationship akin to marriage for at least two years Naturalisation/Registration as a British citizen For those who wish to become British nationals Commonwealth Countries Public Funds European Economic Area Student Visas Marriage/Unmarried Partners Visa Tier 1 Assessment Form

Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5 have been implemented throughout 2008. Tier 3 is currently suspended and Tier 4 will be implemented in early 2009. Below is the current outline of the new points based tiered immigration system. Information is subject to change so please contact Ambler Collins before making any type of application to ensure you meet the relevant criteria

The five tiers are outlined below.

Tier 1: For highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and graduate students. This has been designed to replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), the Entrepreneur and Investor schemes, and the International Graduates Scheme.
Tier 2: This is for skilled workers who have a job offer.
Tier 3: For a limited numbers of lower skilled workers to fill temporary shortages in the labour market.
Tier 4: Students.
Tier 5: For youth mobility and temporary workers, such as those who come under Working Holiday agreements with other countries.

Tiers 3 and 5 are temporary migration schemes and migrants who fall under these tiers will not be able to switch to a different tier from within the UK. Tier 3 is currently suspended in favour of migrants from the EU; however, this may change depending on labour market demands.

Those successful in obtaining Tier 1, 2, and 4 will be eligible to switch to another tier once they are in the UK if they can meet the requirements of that tier. Tiers 1 and 2 can potentially lead to settlement if the relevant requirements are met at the time of application.

Please contact Ambler Collins on info@amblercollins.com or phone +44 (0)20 7371 0213 for a free assessment of your eligibility to live and work in the UK today.

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