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Highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs

This section contains details of the routes available to highly skilled workers, investors and entrepreneurs wanting to work in the United Kingdom. You should read the eligibility requirements for your category in full before making an application.

Our service standards set out how quickly we aim to decide applications. The standard for applications made under an employment route, which includes each of the categories below, is that we will decide 75% of applications within four weeks

On 29 June 2008, several former immigration categories closed. If you currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom under one of those categories and want to extend your stay you will need to apply under one of the categories below.

  • Highly skilled workers

    This section explains the requirements for applying under the Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system. You do not need to have a specific job offer but will need to demonstrate you are highly skilled, have money to support yourself and are able to speak English.

  • Entrepreneurs

    This section explains the requirements for applying under Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) of the points-based system. If you want to come to the United Kingdom as an entrepreneur, there are specific arrangements for you.

  • Investors

    This section explains the requirements for applying under Tier 1 (Investor) of the points-based system. If you want to invest in the United Kingdom you will need to demonstrate that you have the money to do so.

  • Post-study workers

    This section explains how you can come to the United Kingdom or remain here as a post-study worker (Tier 1 Post-study work) under our points-based system to work in the United Kingdom. If you graduated from a university in the United Kingdom, you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom to work once you have completed your studies.

Schemes that closed on 29 June 2008

The schemes listed below closed on 29 June 2008. It is no longer possible to make an application under these categories. If you currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom under one of these categories and want to extend your stay you will need to apply under one of the new categories shown above.

If you have been in the United Kingdom for five years or more under one of these categories you may be able to apply for permanent residence (settlement) in the United Kingdom. You should read the pages relating to your current immigration category for more information.