Highly skilled workers
When and how to apply
This page explains when and how you should apply under the highly skilled worker category (Tier 1 General) of the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.
On this page
For applications made inside the United Kingdom
If you are already in the United Kingdom, you should apply to stay as soon as possible and before your current leave runs out. We encourage you to apply one month before your leave runs out.
Application date by post
The date of postage is used as the date of application.
The date of an application made by post is decided by the postmark. The payment handling service attaches the original envelope with all postal applications. If the envelope in which the application was posted is missing, or if the postmark is illegible, the date of postage is taken as at least one day before its receipt. The day of receipt is normally the date the payment handling service processed the fee. If there is any uncertainty, you will be given the benefit of the doubt.
Application date by courier
If you send your application by courier, the date it is received at the payment handling service is used as the date of application.
The payment handling service attaches the original envelope with all postal applications. The payment handling service includes the date of delivery for all applications by courier.
Application in person
If you apply in person, the date that you apply is the date you go to the public enquiry office. Find out more about applying in person at a public enquiry office including what to do before you arrive, the cost and what will happen on the day.
For applications made outside the United Kingdom
The date of the application is the date that the fee associated with the application is paid. This means the date shown on your payment receipt, which depends on how you paid for your visa application, for example, at British Diplomatic Post, visa application centre or online.
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.
Application forms
Tier 1 (General) - for applications made inside the United Kingdom
- Application for initial entry (switching) or extension of stay within Tier 1 (General) - main applicant. Valid from 1 October 2009PDF 604KB opens in a new window
- Photograph guidancePDF 325KB opens in a new window
- Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system - policy guidance PDF 539KB opens in a new window
Terms explained
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Payment handling service
A company that collects and processes application fees for us.