What is tier 1, 2, 3, 4 in UK visa?

The UK tier system visa is a points-based system for immigration. Candidates are categorized into five tiers depending on the purpose of their stay in the UK. The different tiers are Tier 1 for High-Value Migrants, Tier 2  for Skilled Workers, Tier 3  for Unskilled Workers, Tier 4 for Students, and Tier 5 for Temporary Workers. Each tier has specific eligibility criteria and requirements based on the candidate’s skills and reason for intention to come to the UK. Candidates are given points based on age, English language proficiency, skills, and qualifications to qualify for that particular tier.

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What are the Types of UK Visa Tiers? 

Detailed information on the different types of tiers in the UK visa system is given below. 

Tier	Type	Description
UK Tier 1	Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)	Aimed at reputed individuals recognized in the fields of sciences or arts.
	Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)	For individuals who want to establish, take over, or participate in business activities in the UK.
	Tier 1 (Investor)	Issued to eligible candidates who want to invest in the UK.
	Tier 1 (General)	Aimed at highly skilled workers. Currently closed to most applicants.
	Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)	For international graduates from UK institutions.
UK Tier 2	Tier 2 (General)	For skilled workers filling positions that cannot be filled by UK residents.
	Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)	For ministers, priests, or missionaries with a UK faith-based community job offer.
	Tier 2 (Sportsperson)	For elite athletes and coaches recognized globally.
	Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)	For employees of multinational companies transferred to a UK branch.
UK Tier 3	Currently suspended	Previously for low-skilled workers filling temporary labor shortages.
UK Tier 4	NA	For students over 16 studying in the UK.
UK Tier 5	Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting)	For entertainers, athletes, and creative artists.
	Tier 5 (Charity Workers)	For voluntary charity workers in the UK.
	Tier 5 (Religious Workers)	For foreign nationals participating in faith-based activities.
	Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange)	For individuals under government-approved exchange programs.
	Tier 5 (International Agreement)	For work covered under international agreements.
	Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme)	For young individuals seeking cultural exchange in the UK.

 

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What is the Difference Between the UK Skilled Worker Visa and the Tier 2 Visa? 

The UK Skilled Worker visa replaced the Tier 2 (General) visa. It is issued to international professionals who want to work in the UK. After 5 years, skilled worker visa holders can apply for indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK. 

Factors	Skilled Worker visa	Tier 2 (General) visa
Eligibility	International professionals can work in a wide range of occupations.	Skilled workers filling a gap in the labor force.
Skill level	Lowered from RQF level 6 to RQF level 3.	Candidates must meet the skill and salary level requirements.
Other requirements	Candidates must have a job offer from a UK employer.	Candidates must meet the maintenance requirement.

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