If you will be travelling to the UK for an extended period of time you will need to find out about getting Tier 1 Visas. Prior to April 2008 the HSMP Visa (Highly Skilled Migration Programme) was used for skilled workers who were immigrating to the UK. The new programme, Tier 1 Visas, replaces this programme but is still very similar. Tier 1 Visas use a point structure for determining eligibility for immigration. There are 5 tier categories ranging from Tier 1 for “highly skilled workers” to Tier 5 for temporary youth workers. The point system used for Tier 1 visas grants points based on education, age, prior salary, and experience in the UK. Applicants for Tier 1 Visas must get a total of at least 75 points on these categories. In addition there are two more categories where applicants can earn points. These include their English skills and their ability to support themselves.
Tier 1 Visas are very desirable since they allow you a permanent worker status in the country. The Tier 1 visas are reviewed on an individual basis. The application must include all the supporting documentation to allow points to be given in each of the areas. Unlike the original two-step HSMP Visa process the application for a Tier 1 Visa is only one step. Once the application is submitted it can take a couple of months to get the response. You will then be free to choose your employment and will be paid according to the current UK scale of pay for the position.