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Highly skilled workers

A highly skilled migrant reviewing their application

This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom or remain here as a highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.

On this page:

  • What is the highly skilled worker category?
  • Who can apply as a highly skilled worker?
  • What to do if you have a an HSMP approval letter already

What is the highly skilled worker category?

The highly skilled worker category is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

Who can apply as a highly skilled worker?

Unlike our work permits (soon to be replaced by sponsored skilled workers - tier 2), you do not need a job offer to apply under the highly skilled worker category. When you apply you are awarded points based on your qualifications, previous earnings, United Kingdom experience, age, English language skills, and available maintenance (funds).

You can apply under the highly skilled worker category now if you are:

  • in the United Kingdom with permission to stay (known as 'leave to remain') in an immigration category that allows you to switch into the highly skilled worker category;
  • already in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled worker and want to extend your permission to stay within your existing category;
  • already in the United Kingdom under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, want to extend your permission to stay and are eligible to switch into the highly skilled worker category;
  • applying for permission to enter the United Kingdom (known as 'entry clearance') under the highly skilled worker category.

Go to our visa services website, which you can find on the right of this page, if you are applying from outside the United Kingdom. There you can find out more about the process in the country you are applying from and download the application forms.

What to do if you have an HSMP approval letter already

If you have an HSMP approval letter, you should read the section on transitional arrangements for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

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