New UK work visas explained

sudhir2aryan asked, hello Mr. Paul.. i have completed my masters in sweden and working in malaysia since 1 year. so am i eligible for applying a skilled category visa or do i need to have a job offer letter from the employer ???

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. Depending on your previous earnings you may qualify under the Tier 1 skilled category. If you do qualify under this category you will not require a job offer. Further information on this category is available in our Tier 1 guidance which is available on our website at www.ukba.gov.uk  Bharat

sumit asked, i want a uk visa ..how can i apply

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. For information on the the different categories of visa that you can apply for and the processes involved please visit the website of our commercial partner Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) at www.vfs-uk-in.com  where you will find all of this information. Paul

DJSHANKY asked, How can I get a student visa in Switzerland?

sean answers, Thank you for your question however the purpose of this web chat is to answer questions regarding Tier 2 of the Points based system for applicants wishing to work in the UK. We are unable to offer and advice as to how to apply for a visa for Switzerland.

vikramdhir asked, i am working for a U.k based company. Our employee frequently traveled to U.k for training purpose but recently one of our employee visa have been rejected twice. They mentioned they are not satisfied with the documnets and believe that the applicant would be going for work and not for training purpose. how we can now apply for his visa again

Paul answers, Vikramdir Thankyou for your question. The applicant needs to satisfy us that he is going for training and not to work. It is important that he explains what exactly he will be doing in the UK. It will help if the company in the UK also sends us a letter explaining this. Paul

anishpeter_189 asked, Greetings, What changes will the Points Based System Tier 2 bring on the existing WP process.

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. The main changes will be Objective criteria A one step process The introduction of a maintenance requirement In most cases, a requirement to speak English to a certain level. There are also a number of other changes which are expalined in the Tier 2 guidance available on our website at www.ukba.gov.uk  Bharat

Rob McFarland asked, Paul, thank you for taking the time to do this. I have a number of questions. Number 1. Maintenance requirement (dependants of Tier 2 Migrants) - could the UKBA re-consider allowing the Tier 2 Migrant's sponsor to give an undertaking that the dependants will be maintained and accomodated without recourse to public funds (at present they would have to show £533 per dependant in a bank account for 3 months without this balance ever dropping below the relevant level). Obviously, for a family from Bangalore this represents a very large sum of money.

Paul answers, Rob Thankyou for your question. The policy for Tier 2 has now been decided. There has been a great deal of consultation with regard to this particular aspect of Tier 2. It is only possible for a sponsor in the UK to give an undertaking for the main applicant. It is therefore the responsibility of the dependants of the migrant to show that they can meet the maintenance requirement.

cherry asked, hi I WANT TO GO UK ANY SITE U HAVE THAT THEY SEND ME A JOB LETTER? PLZZZ

sean answers, Thank you for your question, we are unable to provide details of companies who provide job offers to come to take employment in the UK. If you require visa advice I suggest you look at the following web sites. www.vfs-uk-in.com  www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/  

samir asked, I am working with GE call center as a system administrator, i earn 25000 pluse other allowence which comes nearly 20000 a year.

sean answers, Samir, it is not clear what you are actually asking. However if you wish to seek employment in the UK and are a visa national you can apply under the following categories Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 5. I suggest you look at the following website to see which category is suitable for you. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/  

rajvisa asked, hi - how much will cost for applying the TIER1 VISA

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. Currently the cost of making a tier 1 application is £600. This equates to Rs 51000.

abc asked, previously there was point based system(required min 75pts-HSMP). Is this tier-2 points sys 'on top of it' or does it revise the rules completely.

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. HSMP was replaced by Tier 1 of the points based system. Tier 2 is being introduced to replace the current work permit system.

sukalyan asked, I am diploma engineer and having 10 years experience ...may i get a work permit there???

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. The work permit scheme will be absorbed into Tier 2 of the points based system from 27 November. Your prospective employer will need to be formally registered with the UK Border Agency. Unless your occupation features on the shortage occupation list, the UK employer needs to show that it has not been possible to fill the job vacancy from within the resident/European Economic Area labour force, called the resident labour market test. You will then need a formal job offer.

sda asked, i might need to go for IT training for 3 mths to london, i'm a software engineer... will i get a visa in the new system?

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. There is no direct replacement for the current Training and Work Experience Scheme under the PBS. There may be two possibile routes you may have. If the training is undertaken in a college and the college is registered with the DIUS then you may be able to come in under the current student route. If however it is being undertaken by a business in the UK then you will need to find a sponsor in the UK who has registered under the T5 GAE Scheme and offers such training. A lsit of current approved sponsors is available on our website as well as details on the student route at www.ukba.gov.uk  

prady asked, Hi I have got work permit I have to apply for Visa. I will be taking my wife too as dependent. she will be searching for PhD studentship and try to convert to student VISA. Can u advise us about what preparations we need for that. can i take one more dependant with me if the salary is sufficient

sean answers, Thank you for your question. Firstly if your wife wants to go to the UK as your dependent she will not be required to convert her work permit dependent visa to study in the UK. You can also take your children with you as your dependent. You are required to show that you are able to maintain and accomodate all of your dependents without recourse to public funds.

HP asked, Is there a definition on what forms part of salary

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. Please visit www.ukba.gov.uk  where you will find the Tier 2 policy guidance. This will explain the evidence that you need to provide and what forms of renumeration are acceptable.

Vishal asked, I have an experience of working for 5 months in UK on Work Permit 1 in 2007(actual WP duration 1 year)and 15 days on Work Permit 2 in 2008(actual WP duration 6 months). How much points do I earn for previous work in the UK under the new system. Do I gain all the required 5 points?

Paul answers, Vishal Thankyou for your question. As long as the time spent in the UK is within the validity of the visa issued then you would qualify for the 5 points for the UK experience.

sudha asked, Hi does the new point base system will effect the extension cases also? ( candidates who are already in UK on WP )

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. If you are currently in the UK on a work permit and require an extension after the Tier 2 of PBS is introduced you may meet the transitional arrangements. Further information on these arrangements are available in the Tier 2 policy guidance at Paragraph 241 onwards. This guidance is on our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

harshaputhraya asked, hi, in the UKBA website i saw that as per the new Tier 2 requirements, one needs to have a requirement to speak English to a certain level which is assessed through a number of courses. So does this mean a bachelor degree done with English as a language does not hold any good?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. There are three possible ways in which to fulfil the English language requirement: (i) being a national of a majority English-speaking country (ii)having a degree taught in English (see tier 2 self assessment tool to be available later this month or (iii) taking an English test at a UK Border Agency approved centre.Please see further information in the recently issued tier 2 guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

Raja asked, I wanted to know if there is a visa that will allow you to go to UK and then look for a job. I heard from my friend earlier that, it is possible to get a skilled visa, with job experience more than 3 years ... is that the same as Tier2 or is it diff Also, cna you just give the difference in brief, between tier1 and 2

Paul answers, Raja Thankyou for your question. Under the points based system only Tier 1 permits applicants to go to the UK without a job offer. If you are seeking to enter into employment in the UK then you will need a sponsor as required in the policy guidance of Tier 2. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk for more information

CHANDER asked, I HAVE MASTER DEGREE IN COMMERCE AND HAVE THREE YEARS EXPERIENCE AS AN ACCOUNTANT. I WANT TO GET SKILLED WORK VISA. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENT AND STEPS ?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You could apply as a Tier 1 General migrant. This category is for highly skilled people and you would be required to show that you have at least 75 points for your attibibutes, 10 points for your english ability and 10 points for your maintenance. You do not require a job offer in this category. Alternatively you could apply under Tier 2 general of the points based system, this is for people with a job offer in the UK. I suggest you look at the following website to decide which category of suitable to you. www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/  

HP asked, Is there any publication where we can refer to the minimum salary payable to each type of job

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. The codes of practive on our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  provide information on the going salary rates we will expect sponsors in the UK to pay.

RobMcFarland asked, 2. Will a list of Indian Universities which meet the English language requirement be made available? It is possible to meet the English language requirement by having a degree taught in English. There is a points calculator available but, whilst useful for individual cases, does not give you the information needed to plan future global mobility

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. It is possible to meet the English Lang requirement by having a degree taught in English. The only list which is available is in the points calculator tool you have mentioned.

Tintin asked, Hi, I have applied for HSMP Tier1 transitional visa on 3rd nov. I have 2 questions 1. How is this different from tier 2 2. How many years is my transitional tier 1 valid 3. If I want to pursue higher studies after I land in UK, what would be the procedure

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. As you have a HSMP letter you have applied under Tier 1 of the points based system. Under Tier 1 you do not need a sponsor. If your application is successful we will grant you a visa of 3 years duration.

ramu asked, I think HSMP replaced by Tire 1 System, where we have to qualify on the basis of points system and we no need to have a job offer. What is the difference b/w the this tire1 and tire2 whuch is going to be introduced from 28th Nov

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. Yes, tier 1 replaced the highly skilled migrant programme. Tier 1 was introduced in India in April. It is for highly skilled people and there are no requirements to have a job offer or sponsor. Tier 2 will be introduced 27 November. It is for skilled migrants and, in common with tiers 2 to 5, there is a requirement to have a sponsor. It is also necessary to have a formal job offer and, unless your occupation is on the shortage occupation list, this job offer will come after the prospective UK employer has fulfilled the resident labour market test.

Parag asked, Can you advise on essential documentation for multiple entry business visa? I used to be a student in the UK (Scotland) and was running my own business under the Fresh Talent Scheme until May 2008. My request for Tier 1 was rejected and so was a work permit application on behalf of my new employer. I would now like to be based in India but continue doing business with Scotland.

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. The revised business visitor route will be launched at the end of this month. Policy guidance on the requirements will be published before this route goes live. I would suggest you check our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  on a regular basis.

viki asked, Hi Paul, I have approx 10yrs exp in IT, but i dont have a bachelors degree, i have a Polytechnic Diploma in Computer Sc.? Is there a way non-bachelors degree holders can also apply? regds, viki

sean answers, Thank you for your question. It depends on which category you intend to apply. There are a number of ways in which you can achieve the points required to work in the UK depending on the category you are applying for. I suggest you use the online points calculator to see if you are able to achieve the required points. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator  

Tejinder asked, Hi, I am working as SAP Basis admin, total IT experience is 10 yrs. technical qualification BCA, wht kind of visa i will get ?

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. You may qualify under the Tier 1 highly skilled General category or if you have a sponsor and job offer the Tier 2 General category. Can I suggest you check the policy guidance on both of these categories on our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

rajvisa asked, I am indian passport holder currently working in Japan . Can i apply for the TIER1 VISA from Japan. How many days it will take to process the VISA

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You need to be lawfully resident in the country where you are applying, therefore providing this is the case you would be able to apply in Japan. I am unable to tell you the current processing time in Japan. I suggest you look at the website for the British Embassy in Japan for further information.

MAVS asked, I have completed Diploma in Electronics after my HSC which means I have 16 years of education and I have awork experience of 8 years.I want to apply for HSMp visa (Teir I) DO I stand any chance to get the visa? Would highly appreicate your detailled reply.

Paul answers, Thank you for your question. I suggest you use the online points calculator to see if you are able to achieve the required points. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator  

sivasubramanian asked, I am working in Doosan Babcock Energy India Pvt Ltd in chennai, it is subsidiary of UK company. Head Quarters is in UK. our staffs are frequently travelling to UK. Can we get any priority in visa processing as our company is UK company and we were to drop the travel of the staff due to delay in getting visa. I mean if we can get special consideration so that we get the visa early. To whom should we approach? Kindly help us

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. Visa Services in India operates an expedited visa application process for those companies that regularly send their employees to the UK and have undergone an integrity check. Please make further enquiries to chennai.visaenquiry@fco.gov.uk  

Sapna asked, My name is Sapna. I have valid Indian Passport. I am a Qualified School Teacher with B.ED. I want to work in UK along with my Husband and 3 year old child. Is it possible.

Bharat answers, Thank you for your question. You may qualify under the Tier 1 Highly Skilled category or if you have a sponsor and a job offer the Tier 2 General category. Further information on both these categories are available in our policy guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

SubbuFrmChennai asked, Information needed about Balance Maintenace. I have an account with Overdraft facility. In my account, i have one lakh and in OD i have 1 lakh. Can i take this totally as 2 lakhs in account for maintaing balance for Tier 1 ?

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. Overdraft facilities are not included when we assess funds. The amount in your account has to be a positive balance. 

sudhapande asked, As per tier 2 process original degree trancripts, bank statements etc are required for evaluation by UK home office. So if the associate is in India should we courier them to home office?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. We require all original documentation and this should be submitted at the time you make your application with our commercial partners VFS. We do not acept any further documentation after this point. There is no requirement to courier documentation to the Home Office.

Vishal asked, The cut off date for Employers to become sponsors was Wednesday 1st October. What if my employer has missed that date, and wants to become a sponsor now?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. It was recommended that employers apply to become sponsors by 1 October in order to be ready for the start of tier 2 on 27 November. There is however, no cut-off date for sponsorship applications. They can be made at any time, on line at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/points/applying/applyonline/  

vbhavik asked, Under new rules as per Tier 1 category - what is the minimum Bank balance that is required to be maintained in order to qualify?

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. Under Tier 1 you must show £2800 available to you for the entire three months immediately prior to the application. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  the full guidance

ln22agrawal asked, hi .. sir i am indian chartered accoutnat having 10 years post qualification experince.. i have expertise in banking sector as well as international taxatiuon..how i get the work visa.. i am good teacher in accountancy as well as commerce subjects. earlier once i vist uk under toursit visa before 3 yrs

Paul answers, Thankyou for your question. In order to see if you may qualify for Tier 1 of the points based system I suggest you use the online points calculator to see if you are able to achieve the required points. http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator  

Gomathy asked, Hi I am Gomathy. my question is- While our session with Chennai, we alos informed that we can able to process WP approval from India. But I understand the same can be done only from UK through our UK coordinators. If such being the case, how do we apply for our employees in India?

Bharat answers, Under the current work permit arrangements the employer in the UK must make the work permit application. The migrant would then make an entry clearance application. Under the PBS Tier 2 category, again a Licenced Sponsor in the UK would issue the Certificate of Sponsorship and the migrant would then make an entry clearance application. You will therefore need your UK subsidiary to make the application. If you do not have a UK subsidiary you can make a 'Sole Representative' application. Further information on all this is on our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

Gomathy asked, Is this maintenance fund clause removed for Intra company trnasfer cases. What kind of undertaking the Border Agency required from Employer?

Sam answers, Thank you for your enquiry. The maintenance requirement is not removed for Intra-Cmpany Transfers. If the sponsor is "A" rated, it can provide a letter certifying the main applicant's maintenance. Please see para 216 of the tier 2 guidance, issued 4 November and available on the following website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

ramu asked, Thanks for your answer for my earlier question. What exactly the difference b/w earlier work permit and the new tire2 system. Does the new one is more encouraging for the companies in the UK to hire the employee from the other countries?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. The work permit system is being replaced by Tier 2 of the points based system. The purpose of Tier 2 is aimed at enabling UK employers to recruit individual from outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) to fill a particular job that cannot be filled by a British or EEA worker.

GKC asked, Hi , Can you please lemme know if there any sponsorers for UK tier 2 visas

Sam answers, Thank you for your enquiry. There is a list of UK Border Agency-approved on the following website: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

Rohan asked, We understand that under the new system no application requires to be made with WP UK. Please detail out the exact process?

Bharat answers, Rohan, although the employer in the UK will not make a work permit application to WP UK, the employer in the UK must register with us and obtain a license before they can sponsor a migrant under Tier 2 of the PBS. Further information for Sponsors on how to obtain a license is available on our website at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

ganesh asked, I am planning to go to Scotland for my masters next year. So, do I get a work visa automatically after my course completion?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You do not automatically get a "work" visa after your course completion. You would need to apply under Tier 1 post study workers. More information is available at this address www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/eligibility/pointsassessment/  

GKC asked, Hi There, can you please let me know the differences between Tier1 and Tier 2 visa

Paul answers, Tier 1 is for highly skilled workers in their own right, no sponsor is required for this tier. Tier 2 is for skilled workers with a job offer, in this case you need to have a sponsor in the UK. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  for futher information on both Tiers

mani asked, I am a scientist attached to counsil of scientific and industrial research(Govt. of India). I am a Master degreee holder in Engineering with out Ph.D., My research work includes Batteries.I want to learn and work in U.K., on deputaion basis. Your kind advice is expected.

Bharat answers, Mani, you may qualify under the Tier 1 Highly Skilled category or if you have a sponsor and a job offer the Tier 2 General category. Further information on both these categories are available in our policy guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

Sreekumar asked, Is there an exception for Tier 2 INtra Company Transfers, with regard to maintenance fund requirement, wherein the employer, undertakes to take care of the living expenses, till such time, he gets the salary locally in UK?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. Intra-company transfers are subject to the maintenance requirement. "A" rated sponsors can certify a main applicant's maintenance in writing. Please see paragraph 216 of the tier 2 policy guidance, issued 4 November, at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

cherry asked, I WANT TO GO WORK VISA WITHOUT SAW BANKBALANCE IN ANT CATOGARY IS IT POSSIBLE

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You are required to satisfy the maintenance requirement under Tier 1 or 2 of the points based system, I suggest you look at the links I gave you previously.

bhavesh asked, How much time on an average Tier 1 general work permit will take to process from India, I have checked my scores online and I am scoring around 95 points for age+earnings+master degree + 20 points for funds maintenence and english language. Want to apply for TIER 1 in december 1st week. How soon I will get the visa if all things goes well.

Paul answers, Bhavesh Thankyou for your question. We aim to assess applications unde the points based system within 15 working days.

ramu asked, For tier1 visa we have to show bank balance of some 2400GBP, is it the same amount when we are applying for the actual skilled and his spouce, or we have to show more amount when go for the spouce also

sean answers, Thank you for your question.The maintenance requirement is in fact £2800GBP. For each dependant who is applying with you is required to show a further £1600.

siva asked, hi currently i have uk work permit vissa,it will be expair 2010,can u tell me how to extend my visa.

Paul answers, Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  There is a specific section that explains how to apply for an extension from in the UK

Pratibha asked, Hi,I am applying for MBA program at Cranfield. Once I complete my program, am I eligible to stay in UK on student Visa for a year. Can I apply for my Workpermit between that duration

Bharat answers, Pratibha, If you complete your course you may qualify under the T1 Post Study Work Category. This allows you to work in the UK, with certain limited restrictions, for up to two years after qualifying. Further information on this category is available in our policy guidance at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

lkanth asked, I am 32 years of age and has aorund 10 years of IT experience. Can I apply for work visa.

Paul answers, Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  and look at the guidance for tier 1 and tier 2. You should use the online points claculator to see if you may qualify for tier 1.

sandeep asked, i am a teacher.i am M.Sc. B.ed.I TEACH MATH SCIENCE UPTO 10TH CLASS.AM I ELIGOBLE FOR UK VISA?

Sam answers, Thank you for your enquiry. Depending on your qualifications and previous earnings, you may be eligible to apply under tier 1 or tier 2 (from 27 November). The on-line calculator will allow you to make a better assessment. Tier 2 requires you to have a formal job offer. The UK employer needs to first fulfil the resident labour market test, ie show that the vacancy cannot be filled from within the resident/EEA labour market. The exception to this requirement is if your occupation is identified as a shortage occupation in the UK. The shortage occupation list will be published shortly and used when tier 2 comes into effect.

Gopinath asked, I applied for HSMP on April.But last month it was denied..stating that my previous employer could not be verified. what shall i do now.

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You are able to apply for an administrative review, and your application will be looked at by an entry clearance manager who is completly independant from the initial decision. You should do this within 28 days of the initial decision. Alternatively you are free to re apply at anytime.

RobMcFarland asked, 3. 3. Interns - We remain concerned that the interns should be entering under Tier 5 and not Tier 2. However, in the absence of an 'overarching' sponsor (who cannot be an employer) who will agree to sponsor our interns, we will have to rely on Tier 2. Because of the English language requirement, the fact that the appropriate rate of pay published for the Financial Services sector does not cover interns and because more of the accommodation allowance can't be included (only 30% of the salary package can be made up of accommodation allowances) it is unlikely that interns will qualify. This has a huge impact on future recruitment and diversity.

Bharat answers, Rob, there is no seperate category for interns and they fall under T5 GAE. You may wish to approach an appropriate Government Department to see whether they wish to set up an appropriate scheme.

sek asked, Is thair any maintenance funds required before applying for HSMP?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. Tier 1 of the points based has now replaced HSMP. However if you have a HSMP permit which is still valid you can apply under transitional arrangements. If you apply under Tier 1 or the HSMP transitional arrangement you are required to demonstrate that you have £2800 available and it has to have been held for 3 months prior to your application.

sudhapande asked, Is there any differences in current existing processing timeline and new system with regard to Tier 2. Will the timeline reduced. Once applicant Tier 2 is rejected can they reapply again ?

Paul answers, Under Tier 2 we aim to assess an application within 15 working days. If an application is refused you can apply for an administrative review. Details of how to do this can be found on the UKBA website. If we refuse an application then the applicant should note our reasons for refusal and try to address those in a subsequent application

sachinohms asked, Hi, I am working as Assistant Vice President in a Swizz bank in Singapore, i am intrested in migrating to UK, i calculated the points it comes to 75, what are my chances of getting visa

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You have demonstrated that you have met the 75 points requirement for your attributes in line the published guidance. In addition you are also required to demonstrate that you achieve 10 points under the English language and funds control. Providing this is the case your visa would be issued.

shekharcol asked, my son is doing his general management in Liverpool university. He has 2 and a haif years experience in India as a soft warw engineer. He finishes his PG in Sep 2009. He is keen to work in UK. How does he go about it?

Paul answers, Your son may qualify for Tier 1 - Post study work. This entitles applicants to two years permission to work without having to have a sponsor. Please visit www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/poststudy/eligibility/pointsassessment/  for more information  

arshad asked, what is the mean of sponsor when u apply for work permit visa ?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. Sponsorship requirements are an important part of the new points based system, tier 2 - 5. For tier 2, sponsorship plays 2 roles: provides evidence that the migrant will fill a genuine vacancy in the UK that cannot be filled by a suitably qualified or skilled resident worker or is a position to which the resident labour market test does not apply; it involves a pledge from the sponsor that it will accept the duties of sponsoring a migrant. The sponsoring organisation is the one in the UK that intends to employ the migrant. The organisation must be registered as a sponsor with the UK Border Agency. The migrant needs to hold a certificate of sponsorship before applying for a visa. For further information, please see www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  

SubbuFrmChennai asked, I have one overdraft account. In that, i can take upto 3 Lakhs at any point of time. Can i give this account for Account Maintenanace for Tier 1. Any other info/documents required for the proof?

sean answers, Thank you for your question. We do not accept overdrafts as evidence of maintenance for Tier 1. This is because as per the published guidance the balance of the account should be at least £2800 for 3 months prior to application. If you are using your overdraft then the account balance is a negative balance and therefore would not be acceptable as evidence.

Pratibha asked, Further to my question on working in UK after MBA, will I be eligible to work on International Graduate Scheme for one year and then 2 years on T1 Post Study Work Category.

Paul answers, Pratibha IGS has now been replaced by Tier 1 Post Study. If you have been granted 1 year under IGS then you are eligible to apply for one year under Tier 1 post study work which will then give you a total of two years permission to work.

hello asked, Tier 1 visa fees is 600pound? But people are saying to pay 54000? What is the reason?

Sam answers, Thank you for your enquiry. The current fee is £600 and the other figure is the conversion into rupees. For the most up to date visa fee list, please refer to the website of VFS, Visa Services' commercial partner: www.vfs-uk-in.com .

Sanju asked, Hello sir, I wwant to apply for tier 1 visa. In my current oraganization we get system generated pay slips with out any seal and signature from the HR personnal. The HR in our company has refused to provide seal and signature on the payslips stating that it is against company policy. Kindly let me know if I produce appraisal letter (annual salary is mention on it and is on company,s letter head and duly signed) instead of manthly payslips?

Paul answers, Sanju Please read carefully the guidance found at www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  This gives you the specific documents that are acceptable under Tier 1 when demonstrating your previous earnings.

ABhishek asked, Can i apply for a work permit without a job offer?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. Currently a job offer is required for a work permit application. This will remain the case under tier 2 of the points based system for skilled migrants. Tier 1, for highly skilled migrants, does not require the applicant to have a formal job offer.

hello asked, I am working with the bNak of america mumbai. I have score enough points. I have 2 questions: 1. The balance of 2.5 lakhs should be continue after the deduction os visa fees. I have 2.55 lakhs but after the deductyion of visa fess it will e around 2 lakhs. WIll it be a problem? 2. The 2.5 lakhs is not my money. 1.6 lakhs I borowed form my friend. WIll this borrowing money create a problem

Paul answers, You need to show the equivalent of £2800 as being available to you for the entire three months prior to the application. The visa fees are in addition to the funds needed to meet the maintenance requirement but you do not need to show where these funds have come from.

AnujGOyal asked, Hello, I have research job offer from University of Glasgow and they have applied for my work permit. Hopefully I will get work permit in Nov. end. Is there any special process / thing i should consider when i will apply for visa here in India ? because currently point based system is not active and when I will apply for visa it will be active.

Paul answers, Tier 2 replaces work permit applications on 27 November however if you have a work permit issued from the UK you will still be able to make a work permit visa application (you will not be applying under Tier2.

Sreekumar asked, Is there any on going salary rates and or salary definiton for Tier 2 (Intra Company Transferees) , available on ww.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk, I searched and could not find any

sean answers, Thank you for your question. Under Tier 2 you are required to demonstrate that you achieve 50 points in the attributes section. This can be done through Sponsorship, Academic qualification and Prospective earnings. I suggest you look at the Policy Guidance for Tier 2.

suresh asked, i just checked with system my points is 80 i am willing to apply for UK visa.How much fee for geting uk visa and tell me what are the procedures to get?

Sam answers, Thank you for your question. It is not possible to give you definitive advice without knowing the breakdown of how you acquire the 80 points. In addition to points for attributes it is mandatory to pass the English language and maintenance requirements (you would need 80 points plus 10 for language plus 10 for maintenance). The on-line calculator will allow you to assess your likelihood of success under each of the tiers. Tier 2 on-line calculator will be in place before the launch of tier 2 on 27 November.

AMIT ADIGA asked, CAN I APPLY WIHTOUT OFFER

sean answers, Thank you for your question. You are able to apply under Tier 1 without a job offer. Tier 2 is for applicants who have a job offer from a licensed sponsor.

nithya asked, my name is nithya. i have 6.5 years experience in IT industry and i have been in swiss for the last 2 years and currently working in india. i want to apply for tier 1. i have prepared all the documents that has to be submitted to vfs. but the UBS bank in which i have maintained my salary account had declined to provide the bank statements with seal and signature. they have provided the electronic online bank statements with their bank name and logo on the top of the paper. whether this is enough for the application.

Bharat answers, Nithya, we do need on-line bank statements to be confirmed by the bank. Either by stamping or through a letter. We will not be able to accept on-line bank statements on theire own.

rajdeep asked, what value of the rupee will be considered while calculating the points for previous earnings

sean answers, Thank you for your question please use the online currency calculator Oanda.com for the current exchange rates.

Bharat says, I would like to thank you for all your questions. We are sorry we have been unable to answer them all, but hope from our various replies you have been able to better understand the system. With any new system we understand that you will have a number of issues you wish to discuss. In order to provide answers we have a wealth of information on our website which should answer the vast majority of these. At www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk we have the Policy Guidance for all the categories in Tier 1, Tier 2 and Tier 5. We also have information for UK sponsors in our sponsorship section. There is also information on our proposals for the introduction of the Tier 4 Student category. With the roll out of each Tier of PBS we will also introduce an on-line tool which will enable migrants to self-assess against the category. The T1 on-line tool is available now with the T2 and T5 on-line tool being introduced before we go live at the end of this month. If you also wish to obtain information on how to make a visa application please visit the website of our commercial partner Visa Facilitation Services (VFS) at www.vfs-uk-in.com.