In July 2010, two important changes were introduced for migrants making initial applications under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system:

1. the introduction of an interim limit for Tier 1 (General) applications made outside the UK, for the period until 31 March 2011; and
2. an increase in the number of points required for an initial Tier 1 (General) application, from 95 to 100.

1) Interim limit for Tier 1 (General) applications
Th UK Border Agency is administering the limit on a monthly basis. However, the way that you apply for permission to enter the UK under Tier 1 (General) remains the same. If your application meets all the requirements and the limit has not been reached for the month when you applied, we will issue you a visa in the usual way. If your application meets all the requirements but the limit for that month would be exceeded if we issued you a visa, we will defer your application to the next month when the limit allocation reopens. If your application does not meet the requirements, we will process it as normal even if the limit has been exceeded. You can still submit your application even when a monthly limit has been reached. All applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, as far as operationally possible. You will be informed in writing of the final decision on your application. When making any travel plans, you should expect that your application may take longer than normal if the limit is reached.

The interim limit will not affect:
• applicants who are already in the UK (with current permission to stay in any immigration category);
• dependants of Tier 1 (General) applicants; or
• applicants to the Investor, Entrepreneur and Post-study work categories of Tier 1.

2) Increase in the points required for Tier 1 (General) applications
As well as the increase in required points from 95 to 100, there will be the following requirements;
• the points awarded to those with previous earnings of £150,000 have increased from 75 to 80; and
• the points awarded to those who have an eligible MBA have increased from 75 to 80.

The points requirement will remain at 95 points for applicants who are currently in the UK under one of the following highly skilled worker categories:Tier 1 (General), Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, Self-employed lawyer or Writer/Composer/Artist

For further details of the new changes, please contact Migration Bureau.
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