What Is Tier Visa?
The UK Tier Visa system is a point-based classification system for visas. To be eligible for a visa, applicants must get a minimum amount of points on an assessment test. The test considers characteristics such as age, English language proficiency, and other factors that vary according to the Tier for which you apply. Traveling to the UK to live under a Tier category frequently entitles you to UK settlement or possibly citizenship.
Following are the categories of UK tier visa:
- Tier 1, Highly Valuable Migrants
- Tier 2, Skilled Workers
- Tier 3, Unskilled Workers
- Tier 4, Adult Students
- Tier 5, Temporary Workers in the United Kingdom
Tier 1
Tier 1 status in the United Kingdom is reserved for high-value migrants. Currently, the UK Tier 1 category includes the following visa subcategories:
Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)
Internationally renowned individuals in the sciences or arts.
Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)
Individuals seeking to establish, acquire, or be involved in the operation of a business or firms in the United Kingdom.
Tier 1 (Investor)
Individuals seeking to make a substantial financial investment in the United Kingdom.
Tier 1 (General)
For highly skilled employees, this category is now closed to individuals from outside the United Kingdom and the majority of individuals within the United Kingdom.
Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
Non-Europeans who have graduated from a UK university and have been recognized for their inventive or entrepreneurial abilities.
Tier 2
Tier 2 visa is reserved for highly skilled employees in the United Kingdom. The Tier 2 category in the United Kingdom is subdivided into the following visa subcategories:
Tier 2 (General)
Individuals who have been given a skilled employment that cannot be filled by a resident of the United Kingdom.
Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)
Ministers, priests, and missionaries who have been offered a post in a faith-based community in the United Kingdom.
Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
Internationally recognized elite athletes and coaches at the highest level of competition.
Tier 2 (Intra-company Transfer)
Employees of multinational corporations who are transferred to their organization’s UK branch.
Tier 3
The Tier 3 category in the United Kingdom is presently suspended. Initially, it was reserved for low-skilled workers during periods of temporary labor shortages.
Tier 4
Adult students aged 16 or over are eligible to apply for the UK Tier 4 category. Under this category, you may study at or above the National Qualifications Framework level 3. Tier 4 includes university and college study programs.
Tier 5
Temporary workers are classified as Tier 5 workers in the United Kingdom. The Tier 5 category in the United Kingdom is subdivided into the following visa subcategories:
Tier 5 (Entertainers, Athletes, and Creative Artists)
Intended for entertainers, athletes, and creative artists.
Tier 5 (Charity Workers)
For individuals travelling to the UK to volunteer in the field of charity.
Tier 5 (Religious Workers)
For individuals who are coming to the UK to work in a faith-based community, such as preaching, ministry, or pastoral work.
Tier 5 (Government-Authored Exchange)
For individuals traveling to the UK as part of a government-approved program aimed at promoting knowledge, experience, and best practices sharing.
Tier 5 (International Agreement)
For individuals coming to the United Kingdom on a contract basis to perform work governed by international legislation, such as the GATS agreement.
Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme)
For young people from a participating country who seek to get an understanding of living in the United Kingdom.
