Tier 1 General Visas / HSMP – Closed to New Applicants

Tier 1 General (formerly the old Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) is now closed to new applicants. If you’re a highly skilled professional you may qualify however for an alternative visa which will allow you to work in the UK as a highly skilled professional!

Are you a highly skilled IT, Engineering, Medical or Financial Services Professional? If so call us now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details to find out if you qualify for an alternative UK Work Visa!

Tier 1 General Visas

Tier 1 General Visas were designed for highly skilled people who wanted to look for permanent employment or self employment opportunities in the UK

The visa was initially approved for a period of 2 – 3 years (depending upon the time at which the approval was gained) however an individual could secure a Tier 1 extension so long as he or she could prove that they had been working in a highly skilled capacity during the last year of the visa.

Tier 1 General Extensions

If you currently hold a Tier 1 General Visa it is very important that you secure a visa extension as the visa category has now closed and it is not possible to appeal a failed application.

To ensure that you qualify please call us now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you!

Switching to Tier 2 General

Are you unable to secure a Tier 1 General Visa extension? Are you a highly skilled IT, engineering, medical or financial services professional? If so you may be able to ‘switch’ in country from Tier 1 General to Tier 2 General.

To find out more about Tier 2 Sponsors call now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your details and we will get right back to you!

Contracting on a Tier 1 General Visa

Many highly skilled professionals on Tier 1 General Visa decide to become professional freelance contractors in order to make the most of varied assignments and high level rates (contractors normally earn 25 – 50% more than permanent equivalents).

However if you hold a Tier 1 General Visa and you wish to work as a contractor you need to ensure that you use a suitable contracting solution that will allow you to secure a Tier 1 extension or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the future. It can be heartbreaking to start to build a career in the UK only to see your visa rejected due to an inadequate contracting vehicle.

Traditionally expat contractors use standard Umbrella Companies, Contractor Limited Companies or even Offshore Payment Vehicles (NB Offshore vehicles can involve structures that are not be compliant with UK tax law) however all three can cause big problems when it comes to securing a Tier 1 extension or ILR.

At Commonwealth Contractors we work with partners who have contracting solutions tailor made for those on Tier 1 General Visas. Contact Commonwealth Contractors now for further information!

Find out More

To find out more about our solutions call now on 0330 390 9021 or Submit your Details and we will get right back to you!