This post gives an overview of the UK immigration routes available to exceptionally talented workers, investors and entrepreneurs wanting to work in the UK. You should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full before making an application.
Currently (October 2012), the following Tier 1 categories are open to applicants overseas:
| UK Visa Category | ||||||
| Work | ||||||
| Sub
category |
Brief Description of Visa Category | Immigration Rules | ||||
| High Value Migrants | ||||||
| Tier 1 Exceptional Talent | Tier 1 (Exceptional talent) is for people who are internationally recognised as world leaders or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts, and who wish to work in the UK. | 245B- 245BF | ||||
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur | Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) is for non-European migrants who want to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over, and being actively involved in the running of, a business or businesses here. | 245D-245DF | ||||
| Tier 1 Investor | The Tier 1 (Investor) category is for high-net-worth individuals who want to make a substantial financial investment in the UK. You do not need a job offer to apply in this category. UKBA will assess your application based on your ability to invest £1,000,000 in the UK.
|
245E-245EF | ||||
Applications Forms, Appendices and Guidance
Please note that you should check if you have to submit an electronic or a printed, handwritten application form!
| Visa Category | Application Form | Guidance to complete form | Supporting Documents Guidance | PBS Policy Guidance | Additional form (Appendix) to be completed | Paragraph Immigration Rules |
| Tier 1 Exceptional Talent | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Not applicable | 245B- 245BF |
| Tier 1 Entrepreneur | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245D-245DF |
| Tier 1 Investor | VAF9 | Click here | Click here | Click here | Click here | 245E-245EF |
Closed categories
The immigration categories below are closed, or not open to applicants overseas:
- Tier 1 Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
- Tier 1 Business persons
- Tier 1 Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland
- Tier 1 Innovators
- Tier 1 International Graduates Scheme
- Tier 1 Writers, composers and artists
- Tier 1 Investors
- Tier 1 Post study work (closed to new applicants 6 April 2012)
- Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur (closed to overseas applicants)
This text is an adapation of the contents of the UKBA website. Remember, immigration law is complex and subject to continuous change. The information provided here may be out of date, or just based on personal experience/knowledge. The use of these pages is therefore entirely at your own risk. Before applying for any type of visa, you should always seek information from the authorities direct via their official websites. You will find some useful website details on our Links page.
