The United Kingdom's Tier 1 visa immigration scheme is part of the new points based system for employment-based immigration. Tier 1 visas are for highly skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign graduates of UK educational institutions. The Tier 1 has replaced the schemes that cover these immigration categories as of early 2008. Tier 1 is designed to attract top talent from outside the European Union who can contribute the most to the UK economy.

Migrants coming to the UK under Tier 1 visas do not need a job offer or a sponsor and are free to seek employment anywhere in the UK. A person must successfully score 75 points under a points based system to come to the UK under Tier 1. Migrants who are successfully granted leave in the UK under Tier 1 can stay for three years. After three years, a migrant can renew their Tier 1 visa.

Tier 1 is meant for a variety of highly skilled individuals and is broken up into a number of sub-categories:

General Highly Skilled Migrants
The General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category -- also known as Tier 1 (General) -- is for highly educated and highly skilled migrants who can score enough points on their qualifications, previous earnings, age, and UK experience. User our Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Migrants points calculator to assess your chances of success.

Entrepreneurs
Individuals who plan to invest in the UK by setting up or taking over a business, and being actively involved in running the business can come to the UK under the Entrepreneur sub-category of Tier 1. At least £200,000 of disposable capital held in a regulated financial institution is required. Third country nationals who would like to start a business in the UK will find this Entrepreneur visa to meet their needs if they can meet the criteria.

Investors
Wealthy individuals who plan to make a substantial financial investment in the UK can come under the Investor sub-category of Tier 1. At least £1,000,000 of disposable funds is required. Investors are exempt from the English language requirement and the requirement to prove the ability to support themeselves and any dependants. This sub-category is designed for very wealthy individuals who want to live in the UK.

Post-Study Work
The Post-Study Work sub-category is meant to retain the brightest foreign students who have studied in the UK (under current rules or the Tier 4 system, once implemented). It is part of Tier 1 because successful applicants will be able to find work after graduation without having a sponsor.