HSW - Tier 1 (HSMP)
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One Stop Shop For HSMP - HSW ( Tier 1 ) VISA
I provide help on following.
Eligibility
This page explains the requirements you must meet to be accepted into the highly skilled worker category (Tier 1 General) of our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom. On this page:
- What points you have to score to apply as a highly skilled worker
- How the points differ for first-time applications and extension applications
Points calculation for hsmp / tier1
To apply under Tier1 points-based system and be accepted into the highly skilled worker category, you must pass a points-based assessment. You must score:
75 points for your attributes (age, qualifications, previous earnings, and experience in the United Kingdom); and
Age : ( Maximum 20 Points )
Under 29 years old 20 Points 20 or 34 years old 10 Points 35 or 39 years old 5 Points
Example:
If your birth date is 09-aug-1982 and you are applying on 01-Aug-2011 than you should mention 28 years as age in application form not 29 years.
Qualification: ( Maximum 50 Points )
PHD 45 Points Master's 35 Points Bachelor's 30 Points
Previous Earning: ( Maximum 45 Points ) ( CTC - Cost To Company - Income before TAX )
If Applying from UK
£16,000 - £17,000
(Extension applications only)5 Points £18,000 - £19,999
(Extension applications only)10 Points £20,000 - £22,999 15 Points £23,000 - £25,999 20 Points £26,000 - £28,999 25 Points £29,000 - £31,999 30 Points £32,000 - £34,999 35 Points £35,000 - £39,999 40 Points £40,000 + 45 Points If Applying from India
6604-7546 Pounds or Rs. 4.29 - Rs 4.90 lacs 20 Points 7547-9433 Pounds or Rs. 4.90 - Rs 6.13 lacs 25 Points 9434-10376 Pounds or Rs. 6.13 - Rs 6.74 lacs 30 Points 10377-12263 Pounds or Rs. 6.74 - Rs 7.97 lacs 35 Points 12264-14150 Pounds or Rs. 7.97 - Rs 9.19 lacs 40 Points 14151 Pounds or Rs.9.19 lacs 45 Points
This earning is CTC.
Earning Point Assessment :
Earnings must be made up of 12 consecutive months and must fall within the 15 months before your application.
You can claim points for a 12-month period outside of the 15-month period only in very limited circumstances. These are if you have been away from the workplace for a time during the last 12 months because of:
- full-time study; or
- a period of maternity or adoption-related absence.
You do not have to be in continuous employment during the 12-month period being assessed, so:
- you can claim for a period of earnings less than 12 months; and
- earnings do not have to be from a single employer and can be from full-time, part-time, temporary or short-term work.
If you claim for a period that is more than the 12 months, UK Home office will assess the most recent period of 12 months for which you have sent evidence.
UK Experience : ( Maximum 5 Points )
you have successfully scored points under previous earnings and those earnings were made in the United Kingdom.
Maintenance (funds) can include:
-
cash savings in your account that have been in your account for at least three months before your application;
-
cash savings in a joint account that have been in your joint account for at least three months before your application;
-
cash savings in a account overseas (They convert the amount to pounds sterling using the rate which appears on the OANDA website, and the date on your bank statement), that have been in your account for at least three months before your application.
-
Fixed Deposite are valid for Maintenance fund.
If you do not score a minimum of 75 points for your attributes and 10 points for English language and 10 points for available maintenance (funds), your application will be refused.
Important!
To qualify for Tier 1 (General) of the Points Based System you must be able to demonstrate that you have funds to support yourself and any dependants. For the main applicant this is £2,800 with a further £1,600 needed for each dependant accompanying you or planning to join you within 12 months of your arrival in the UK. These amounts must be held in your personal bank account for a minimum period of 3 months for which you must show bank statements/other evidence immediately preceding and dated no more than 7 days prior to the date you submit your application. The balance should not fall below the required minimum at any time during the 3 month period.
Use the points based calculator to calculate how many points you have and whether you are eligible to work in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker under the points-based system.
Preparation
Documents required :
-
675 £ Application Fee ( Credit Card or Demand Draft - Credit card is the fastest way )
-
VAF9 Application form with UK's approved size photo graph
-
Covering Letter
-
HSW Performa
-
Passport , Birth Certificate or Driving License ( AGE Proof )
-
Letter from college or university stating that your graduation was in English medium. ( English language ability ) NOT REQUIRED IF YOU CAN FIND AND SELECT YOUR DEGREE IN UNNARIC ON THE POINTS CALCULATOR, NO FURTHER EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED I.E LETTER FROM UNIVERSITY.
-
Last 12 months payslip duly signed by company authority. ( Previous Income - You need to earn at least 2,80,000 INR or 3300 £ to be able to eligible for applying )
-
Last 12 months salary account's statement ( Previous income - Don't worry about balance as they want this to check whether salary was getting credited to this account or not ).Past earning letter is available here.
- Marriage Certificate if you are married.
-
2800 £ for main application and 1600 £ for subsequent dependent.You need to have this fund available in your account from last 3 months and please make sure that balance does not fall under 2800 £ at any time in last 3 months.
Points in RED are mandatory and BLUE are optional but submit it if you have it.Please make a note that you may not find optional docs in guidance but its always an advantageous to have all docs submitted.
All docs are not required but these are the docs which i produce when i applied for myself.VFS had asked for Covering Letter n etc. even though not mentioned in Guidance note.
If you have all genuine docs then there is no chance of getting rejection.
For Muslim applicants :
1) Muslims can get their marriage certificate from the Waqf
board, not necessarily from the Registrar.
2) Muslims need not to have Surname compulsorily.
Applying
Download the application form VAF9 from here for PBS migrant.Guidance note is available here.
Download the application form VAF10 form here for PBS dependent.Guidance note is available here.
If you are in India you must apply at the nearest visa application centre, run by commercial partner, VFS Global. These centres are located in Ahmadabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Jalandhar, Kolkata, New Delhi, North Mumbai, Pune and South Mumbai.
Please make sure you take the appointment prior to visit VFS.
You can call VFS call centre from +91 080 4008 4008.
VFS only collects visa application forms and supporting documents, biometric fingerscans and the visa application fee. VFS is not involved in the decision making process.
Disclaimer:
This document is made to help the ppl who want to come UK under HSW scheme only.The author does not provide any guarantee that you will get visa if you follow this.
The author is no way involved with British high commission or in decision making process.The intention is purely educational.
Changes to Tier1 rules ( From 19th jul 2010 - initial applications only )
http://sysdbaonline.com/?page_id=526
Benefits of HSMP / Tier1:
- UK Workpermit
- You can work for any employer without any restriction.
- Your dependents gets same status ,so they can work legally.
- Medical is free under NHS ( Need to pay for prescription )
- Your child gets totally free medical till the age of 16 years.
- Education for your child is also free.
Good collection of information
Thanks for the info Dev!
However I would like to point out that the following are nequired as per the guidances for Tier-1 WP:-
Covering Letter – NOT REQUIRED
HSW Performa – NOT REQUIRED
Birth Certificate or Driving License ( AGE Proof ) – NOT REQUIRED. pASSPORT IS ENOUGH AS AGE PROOF
Letter from college or university stating that your graduation was in English medium. ( English language ability ) – NOT REQUIRED. iF YOU CAN FIND AND SELECT YOUR DEGREE IN UNNARIC ON THE POINTS CALCULATOR, NO FURTHER EVIDENCE IS REQUIRED I.E LETTER FROM UNI
Last company’s offer letter ( Optional – But make sense ) -NOT REQUIRED
Invitation letter from friend or relative in UK stating that he will bear the cost of living till you get the job. -NOT REQUIRED
Accommodation proof ( Invitation letter or Hotel reservation ) -NOT REQUIRED
Friend’s or relatives council tax xerox , xerox of visa , xerox of driving license. -NOT REQUIRED
2800 £ for main application and 1600 £ for subsequent dependent.You need to have this fund available in your account from last 3 months and please make sure you don’t withdraw any rupees from this fund in last 3 months. – MINUMUM BALANCE HADS TO BE 2800, U CAN WITHRAW AS LONG AS BALANCE IS NOT GOING BELOW 2800
International Certificates to show your expertise like MCSE, RHCE, OCP, SCSA, CCNA etc. ( Optional ) -NOT REQUIRED
Job opportunity letter ( take the print out of relevant job from any job portal to show British high commission that you have relevant job openings in UK. – NOT REQUIRED
Hope this helps.
Thanks
Hi Dev,
Thats a great information is great.
Please let me know whether the IT returns for the last two years is required or not ?
Thank you
Raja Mohamed
Raja,
IT Returns for 2 years is not mandatory but put if you have.
You need to have at least one year’s IT return.
Dev
Dudes,
It will be really great if any one can answer couple of questions for me.
1) I know that INTEGRA is doing the verification process. Is there a particular form for that? If YES, from where do we get that?
2) For Age proof, PASSPORT or SSLC Book should be enough.. Do we really need to show another document like Driving Licence or something else?
Thanks in advance.
Special Thanks for DEV for creating such a good n nice blog…. Cheers to u!!!!
Hi,
George,
Here are the answers.
1) I know that INTEGRA is doing the verification process. Is there a particular form for that? If YES, from where do we get that?
When i applied for HSMP , i had submitted the integra verification form and i found it somewhere on internet.I tried the same for u as well but couldn’t get it.
The best thing to do is call up VFS and ask them.
2) For Age proof, PASSPORT or SSLC Book should be enough.. Do we really need to show another document like Driving Licence or something else?
Passport or SSLC is enough but again check with VFS.
Regards,
Dev
Hi,
I have just completed my aplicaton for Tier1 General from VFS kolkata. Do you have any idea on the time lines. How many days it takes for the processing? Do let me know if you have any info
I was also on Oracle ERP while I was in UK, Real nice blog.
Cheers…
Hi,
Spartan,
I think they takes 20 working days minimum.
Regards,
Dev
Dev,
I’m working with a consultant on getting HSW Tier-1 VISA, They require me to file 3years of IT returns.
My Questions:
Do I really need to show the IT returns? Do I get any problem on showing only one year IT returns(is there any chances of rejection?)
Do I get back the 600 £ Application Fee, If my application gets rejected?
Any suggestion are highly appreciated.
The information you provided is 100% accurate.
Good Job!
Hi,
Rehan,
Here are the answers.
Do I really need to show the IT returns? Do I get any problem on showing only one year IT returns(is there any chances of rejection?)
I think only 1 year’s IT return enough but get it confirmed by VFS.
Do I get back the 600 £ Applicatioh Fee, If my application gets rejected?
No.Application fee is not refundable.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev,
Many thanks for the site.
I have 2 questions.
Do I need to send my original marksheet? In case if they are lost?
I have more than 5lakhs worth of Mutual fund/stocks. But I do not have 2800 pound in my bank account. Will it be ok?
Best Regards,
Joy
Hi Joy,
Do I need to send my original marksheet? In case if they are lost?
Yes.Original is mandatory.I have not heard of any case where in they have lost original documents.
I have more than 5lakhes worth of Mutual fund/stocks. But I do not have 2800 pound in my bank account. Will it be ok?
Mutual fund wont help you.You need to have cash of 2800 £ from last three month in your account else your visa will get rejected.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev, Many Many thanks for the answers. Have a nice day. I will ask for your expert answer again.
Best Regards,
Joy
Hi Dev,
Thanks for the reply. Could you please send me the points for previous earning? i mean the INR and the corresponding points to that. I checked in some web sites and it is little confusing for me.
Thanks in advance,
George
Hi George,
India falls under code D wherein you need to have earning atleast 3300 £ per annum to qualify.
Here are the more details.
Annual Gross income before tax between 3000-3400 Pounds or Rs. 2.34 – Rs 2.65 lacs (Approxima)
5 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 3400-3800 Pounds or Rs. 2.65 – Rs 2.96 lacs (Approxima)10 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 3800-4300 Pounds or Rs. 2.96 – Rs 3.36 lacs (Approxima)
15 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 4300-4900 Pounds or Rs. 3.36 – Rs 3.83 lacs (Approxima)
20 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 4900-5500 Pounds or Rs. 3.83 – Rs 4.30 lacs (Approxima)
25 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 5500-6000 Pounds or Rs. 4.30 – Rs 4.68 lacs (Approxima)
30 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 6000-6600 Pounds or Rs. 4.68 – Rs 5.15 lacs (Approxima)
35 Points
Annual Gross income before tax between 6600-7500 Pounds or Rs. 5.15 – Rs 5.85 lacs (Approxima)
40 Points
Annual Gross income before tax above 7500 Pounds or Rs.5.85 lacs (Approxima)
45 Points
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev,
Thanks for giving all information on this blog. I have few more queries such as:-
1. If i fulfill all the terms and conditions then how much time it takes to get your VISA stamped.
2. What are the reasons for rejection of the HSMP even fulfilling the all criteria for it.
3. Can i submit the application alone?, without help of third party?
4. If my case is rejected then when can i again apply?
5. what is the process for getting the visa? suppose I submitted the document then when they will call me / After submitting the application can i go to other country for 2 or three months/ . If they approve my application then whether they call for interview ?
I shall appreciate you for my queries get replied by you.If you have the contact number then please share it with me.
Thanks
Rahul
Hello ,
Rahul,
1. If i fulfill all the terms and conditions then how much time it takes to get your VISA stamped.
They takes 20 working days.
2. What are the reasons for rejection of the HSMP even fulfilling the all criteria for it.
No chance at all if you meet all the requirements and all docs are genuine.
3. Can i submit the application alone?, without help of third party?
You can submit your application on your own and i would recommend that only.Dont go for any consultant as all are money makers not helpers.
4. If my case is rejected then when can i again apply?
There is no chance of getting rejection if you meet requirement but in case it happens then you can appeal once free and even if appeal get rejected then you can apply on very second day.
5. what is the process for getting the visa? suppose I submitted the document then when they will call me / After submitting the application can i go to other country for 2 or three months/ . If they approve my application then whether they call for interview ?
British high commission does not call applicant for an interview but in case they find something unclear in your application then they might call you for interview.
You can not go out of country after submitting your application as you must have to send your passport to british high commision for HSW visa and without having passport how will go out of country.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev,
Thanks a lot.
Rahul
Hi Dev,
After making the application at VFS for PBS Tier 1(general) and before the visa is approved/rejected, is it okay to withdraw money from the bank account where maintenance fund is held such that the balance falls below 2800 pounds ?
Thanks in advance,
Sid
Hi Sid,
You can withdraw the fund after submitting the application because british high comission does contact bank for fund checking and your bank wont reveal the account information with anybody.
But i would strongly recommend not to withdraw it untill n unless you have do or die condition.
You need to take your call but as per me they dont check rest is in their hand.
Regards,
Dev
Hi,
Sid ,
Sorry for typo in last update.
Here is the correct one.
You can withdraw the fund after submitting the application because british high comission does not contact bank for fund checking and your bank wont reveal the account information with anybody.
Regards,
Dev
Thanks Dev,
I will follow your recommendation and wait till visa stamping.
cheers,
Sid
Hi Dev,
I just wanted to know, whether all the docs (also each file) is verified by Integra or randomely do they verify since my prev company has been shut down and I have already applied. Little worried…
Regards,
Srini
Hi Srini,
Integra does not verify everything.As per my knowledge they dont conact your company if you have not changed the company in last year then they dont contact.
If you have changed the company last 1 year then there are more chances of contacting the company.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev,
Thanq for the information provided. I’ve worked for 3 yrs in my prv organization and present company, itz just 9 months. Just wanted to confirm whether Integra verifies every individual’s file or is it a random pick and then verify the same?
Regards,
Srini
Hi,
Srini,
No one would get to know that they are checking every case or not but i can share mu experience.
They only verify the case if they dont find seem to be genuine case else they dont.
Ppl files lots application daily and they can not do checking for all case.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev,
As you have already mentioned earlier that, once we drop the docs at VFS, it would usually take 20 working days but when I spoke to ppl around, they say that it would take 45-65 days. Is it true??
Regards,
Srini
Hi,
In tier 1 we need to give our originals to vfs. When do we get them back ? I know that the passport will come after 20 working day with stamping . But how about the remaining documents ? Will they be retured to me any sooner ?
I don’t have English Language Certificate but my degree is recognised by Point based calculator. Is it Ok?
Do you have any official document or website which lists all the changes from previous HSMP process to new TIER 1 process?
Hi,
You will get all your docs back with your passport.What they will do with your documents after retuning your passport.
Regards,
Dev
Hi,
Pankaj,
There is no website which says about all the changes between HSMP vs. Tier1 but its good idea.I will create one seprate blog on that to help you and other ppl.
If you your degree is recognized with PBS then you dont need any certificate.
Regards,
Dev
Hi ,
If my case is approved how, For how long the visa is valid, how long the next renewal is given
Hi,
If your visa is approved under Tier1 then you will get visa for 3 years and extention would be of 2 years.You may need to prove yourself before you can apply for extention like you need to have earning of 28000 £ before you can apply for extention.This is just a recommedation not mandatory.
You need to be in UK for atleast 5 years before you get indefinate stay.After 7 years you can appply for citizenship.
Regards,
Dev
HI Devand,
I am getting lot of inputs from others questions from this site. I also had a question.
The INR Vs GBP values change all the way from 76 rupees to 87 rupees in 3 months. I am holding a maintenance fund for my wife and kid of 510000 rupees. It is 6000 GBP. Which particular date will they calculate the value based on if it is high or low than 6000 GBP.
Hi Dev,
Many thanks for the info..
Few more questions..
1.
I did my masters (MCA) from Manipal university Karnataka, Bachelor(BCA)from Madurai Kamaraj University TamilNadu…Can you please tell me how many points I will get for my educational qualification.
2. My PG and UG both in English, will I get any points for English Language?
If I clear IELTS will I get any points? What is the IELTS score expected to get all 10 points for English Language?
3. I worked in UK before for 7 months, will I get any points for my UK experience.
I traveled twice to UK on work permit.
4. I also applied for HSMP on 2006 and it was approved. that time they approved only for 1 year, because of my marriage I could not travel to UK, will that be a problem?
Thanks again,
bce
Hi,
Rahul,
You shold have mentioned the convertion rate in your covering letter ,so it will help VISA officer to determine what was the rate at the time of application.
You should have taken some deviation in mind while maintaining the fund in your account.You should not be maintaining exact 6000 £ because no one knows what will happen in next 3 months.
But as per me they consider 80 INR as average and would be counted accordingly.
Regards,
Dev
Hello BCE,
1.I did my masters (MCA) from Manipal university Karnataka, Bachelor(BCA)from Madurai Kamaraj University TamilNadu…Can you please tell me how many points I will get for my educational qualification.
You will get 35 points only because of BCA , they wont consider MCA for master degree.They only consider MBA or PHD for 50 points.
2. My PG and UG both in English, will I get any points for English Language?
You need to have degree certificate mentioning that it was taught in English language or you can get letter from university stating that your tenure was in english then you will get point else your application will be rejected immediately.
If I clear IELTS will I get any points? What is the IELTS score expected to get all 10 points for English Language?
You dont need to give IELTS as your degree was in english medium.
3. I worked in UK before for 7 months, will I get any points for my UK experience.
I traveled twice to UK on work permit.
I think , you will get 5 points for being into the UK in past.
4. I also applied for HSMP on 2006 and it was approved. that time they approved only for 1 year, because of my marriage I could not travel to UK, will that be a problem?
Its perfectly fine that you didnt travel.its yous wish no one force you.
But as you said you have been to UK on workpermit than it would definately help you.
Regards,
Dev
Hi
I am planning to apply for HSW (Tier1).
I have a doubt regarding the maintainence funds:
I have a UK account which has half the amount whereas I will be maintaining the other half in the indian account. (from past 3 mnths)
Can i confirm if the evidences for both accounts making an amt of 2800 gbp is considered valid for maintainence criteria
Hello Viral,
You can show the fund in two different account as per me but i would still request you to double check with VFS.You can reach them on +91 080 40084008.
Regards,
Dev
HI dev,
I have a query
I work for two companies in same designation and i have two salary slips which reflects in bank a/c also.
Showing two salary slips will be a problem-this is my question
Hi Babu,
As long as your IT returns reflects the both total income ( from both company ) than it should not be a problem.
Regard,
Dev
HI Dev,
Thanks for the info.
Myself and my wife (Dependent) planning to apply, can you tell me the list of forms I need to fill in.
Thanks,
bce
Dev,
Assessment of Maintenance Funds is given in the below link and assessment of Previous Earnings is also done in the similar way
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/general/eligibility/pointsassessment/maintenance/#header4
The GBP to INR exchange rate on OANDA is been shown as 83.XX
and on xe.com, finance.yahoo.com, google.com etc is shown as 79.XX.
Here is my question
If I had maintained funds for conversion rate of 80 INR(2,24,000 INR). If my bank is ready to give a letter stating I had maintained funds 2800 GBP and above as per their exchange rate in past 90 days in this case which conversion rate will be considered?
Hi Ravi,
Bitish high commision would consider the rate as on the bank statement date according to OANDA website.Your bank’s letter would not be considered because each bank gives different rates.
Regards,
Dev
Hello BCE,
Please read the Applying section of my blog which has forms link available.
Regards,
Dev
Hi Dev ,
Thanks for the info. I am planning to submit my application this week.
But I only maintained 5000GBP for last 3 months from now.
Can I apply first then apply for my wife later.
will the home office accept this? or Myself and my wife have to apply toghether?
Thanks,
Bce
Hello BCE,
£ 5000 is more than enough for you and your wife.You need to have minimum £4200 for both application.
£ 2800 for Main applicant and £ 1400 per subsequent dependent ,so you have enough money.
Go ahead pal.I wish you all the best.
Regards,
Dev
Thank you so mych dev, few more questions
1.
I am applying for Tier 1 (General) visa from Singapore.
Can I add my CPF Contribution (Employee & Employer) to my previous earnings?
Let say my..
Salary credited to account is : 7775
Employer CPF contribution is : 180
Employee CPF contribution is : 225
CPF: Central Provident Fund
Can I add 8180 to my previous earnings?
2.
This is regarding evidence for my previous earnings,
I recently joined new company in June, I only have ePayslip from my previous employer, and the epayslip doesn’t have the company stamp.
Since I left the company I don’t think I will be able to get the stamp and signature on the epayslip.
Will this be a issue in getting my Tier 1 visa.
But I have Bank statement for all 12 months stating my salary credit(Including my previous company).
3.
I have worked in the UK before, I do not have the payslip for my UK experience, but I have the offer letter and the visa stamping? Is this enoung to get points for UK experience?
Thanks
bce
Hi BCE,
Here are the answers.
1.If your CPF is reflecting in your payslip then you can show it in your previous earning.
2.You must have duly stamped / signed payslip by company.You can contact the HR of last company to do the stamping.You may tell them you need it for VISA ,so they have to stamp it else you may come under the gun.
3.No.For claiming UK experience point , you need to be here at least for 1 year or more.
Regards,
Dev
Hi,
I am Siva i have applied for tier1 on 23/10/2008. but i did small mistake while filling integra form i mentioned company contct no as wrong. but i have submitted all my payslips and offer letter every thing. will they consider that.
These are my points:
Age: 20
Qualification:(MCA from Acharya Nagarjuna university) its there in points caliculator.
Masters: 35
Earnings: 20 Total gross incom for last one year(400344).
Maintenance: 10
English language: 10
I did BSC computers from nagarjuna university.
Tell me my points are correct or not?