The UK Tier Visa system can be categorized into 5 tiers

• Tier 1, High-Value Migrants;
• Tier 2, Skilled Workers;
• Tier 3, Unskilled Workers;
• Tier 4, Adult Students; and
• Tier 5, Temporary Workers

UK TIER 1 VISA CATEGORY

The UK Tier 1 category is for high-value migrants. The UK Tier 1 category currently holds the following visa sub-categories:

• Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent)  – Persons internationally recognized in the sciences or arts.
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) – Persons who wish to set up, take over, or being involved in running a business or businesses in the UK.
• Tier 1 (Investor)- Persons who want to make a significant financial investment in the UK.
• Tier 1 (General)- For highly skilled workers, this category is now currently closed to persons outside of the UK and most persons inside the UK.
• Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)- Non-Europeans who graduated from higher education institutions in the UK and who have been recognized for innovative or entrepreneurial skills

UK TIER 2 VISA CATEGORY

 The UK Tier 2 category is for skilled workers. The UK Tier 2 category holds the following visa sub-categories:

• Tier 2 (General)- Persons who have been offered a skilled job in a position that cannot be filled by a UK settled person.
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)- Persons such as ministers, priests or missionaries who have been offered a position in a faith-based community within the UK.
• Tier 2 (Sportsperson)- Elite athletes and coaches who are internationally recognised at the highest level of competition.
• Tier 2 (Intra-Company Transfer)- Employees of multi-national companies who are transferred to a UK branch of their organization

Getting sponsored

To qualify under the sponsorship scheme, you need to be employed by a licensed sponsor. The Licensed sponsor will confirm that you meet the qualifications and requirements for the job you have applied for. They will also provide the applicant with a certificate of sponsorship in support of the application.

UK TIER 3 VISA CATEGORY

The UK Tier 3 category is currently suspended. It was originally used for low-skilled workers during temporary labor shortages.

UK TIER 4 VISA CATEGORY

The UK Tier 4 category is for adult students aged 16 or over.

You can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

• have been offered a place on a course
• You can speak, understand and write English
• have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course – the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
• are from a country that’s isn’t part of the European Union or Switzerland
• meet the other eligibility requirements

UK TIER 5 VISA CATEGORY

The UK Tier 5 category is for temporary workers. The UK Tier 5 category holds the following visa sub-categories:

• Tier 5 (Creative and Sporting) – For entertainers, athletes, or creative artists.
• Tier 5 (Charity Workers) – For people coming to the UK to participate in voluntary charity work.
• Tier 5 (Religious Workers) – For people coming to the UK to work as a part of a faith-based community do such work as preaching, ministry, or pastoral work.
• Tier 5 (Government Authorised Exchange) – For people coming to the UK under a government approved program that aims to promote the sharing of knowledge, experience and best practice.
• Tier 5 (International Agreement) – For people coming to the UK under contract to do work that is covered under international law such as the GATS agreement.
• Tier 5 (Youth Mobility Scheme) – For young people from a participating country who wish to experience life in the UK.