The UK’s new points based system caller Tier 1 (general) which was already applicable to the applicants based in India since 01 April 2008, has now been made applicable globally w.e.f. 30 Jun, 2008. This will completely replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). In addition to the Tier 1 (General), three more sub categories of Tier 1: Investors, Entrepreneurs & Post-Study Work have been introduced which will replace the following immigration categories.

• Investors scheme
• Businesspersons scheme
• Innovators scheme
• International Graduates Scheme
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland
• Self-employed lawyers scheme
• Writers, composers and artists scheme

The new Tier 1 (General) points system has not changed much from the HSMP in regard to age, Past earning, UK Experience, & Education. However, the changes in the English proficiency & the Funds Requirement are discussed below:-
English Proficiency: English language requirements are slightly more difficult, with the UK now using Level C1 on the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning as a baseline for acceptable English. This is equivalent to overall 6.5 bands on an International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Funds requirements: Funds requirements to show that applicants can support their stay in the UK are also different from the HSMP. There are two types of Maintenance funds depending on whether a person is applying from within the UK or not. Applicants from within the United Kingdom must show that they have had GBP 800 in savings at all times during a three month period prior to the date of their application. People applying from abroad must have GBP 2,800 in savings for three months.