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Immigration Points Test for Tier 1 Migration

On 5 April, 2011, a UK immigration cap was put into effect and the Tier 1 (General) skilled visa programme was closed. As a result, our online assessment is no longer available and all information relating to the Tier 1 (General) skilled visa on our website is no longer applicable. Further information and our response to the UK immigration cap and the closure of the skilled visa programme can be found on the UK Visa Bureau blog.

The Tier 1 Migration System uses a points test to qualify applicants.  Applicants must score 95 points in order to be successful, as well as meet the normal basic requirements.  

The UK skilled immigration test is as follows:

• English language ability (mandatory);
• Available settlement funds (mandatory);
• Qualification;
• Age;
• Previous Earnings;
• UK Experience or Qualifications.

Mandatory Points for English language ability

Applicants who do not have a degree taught in English have a choice of must sit and pass an Approved English Language Test. For a full list of these tests, please click here for the current list of Approved English Language Tests and the level/grade required for each test.

One of the most popular and widely accessible Approved English Language Tests for migrants to the UK is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). According to IELTS, applicants must score at least 6.5 on each of the 4 components. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across all four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking - for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.

Applicants from some countries where English is the official language are exempt from having to sit an Approved English Language Test.

 Find out if you qualify to immigrate with the UK visa points test

Mandatory Points for Available Settlement Funds

As well as meeting the earnings requirement, applicants will need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds readily available to help them settle in the UK.  However, should you have any dependents also applying with you, they must all demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available when migrating with you.

Do you pass the Tier 1 - General Skilled Visa points test?

Points for Qualification

 Find out if you qualify to immigrate with the UK visa points test

Points for Age

 Are you eligible for skilled migration to the UK ?  Take our online assessment and find out!

Points for Previous Earnings

Please note:  To take into account the vastly different earning potentials in countries around the world, all countries have been categorised into bands. To view the specific earnings required for the country from where you are claiming 12 months for previous earnings, see our Tier 1 country earnings page.  Tier 1 applicants, already being in the UK, will have their earnings assessed against that standard.

All Tier 1 applicants are required to have earned at least the equivalent of UK £25,000 from the 12 months they are claiming in order to make an application. If an applicant has earned the equivalent of UK £150,000 or above in the 12 months they are claiming, they immediately qualify for Tier 1 migration.

Earnings must be legal and must be 12 months continuous earnings in the 15 months before lodging an application.

 Do you have enough points?

Points for UK Experience or Qualifications

 Find out if you qualify to immigrate with the UK visa points test