Tier 1 Visas

• Tier 1 visas are for highly skilled workers, entrepreneurs and investors. An immigrant does not need to have a job offer but does need to meet educational, savings and salary requirements to qualify.
  
  

Tier 2 Visas

• Sponsored workers who have a valid job offer in an approved field or are transferring to a UK branch of their current employer may apply for a tier 2 visa. They must still use the points calculator to meet educational, savings and salary requirements as well as answer questions regarding the necessity of their position.
  
  

Tier 4 Visas

• Tier 4 visas are for those who are coming to the UK to study. While the requirements are less rigorous, the UKBA points calculator looks for the ability to pay for the course, which must be at an approved college. The students must also be prepared to prove that they can meet their living expenses in the UK while working a reduced schedule, as they may not work full time.
  
  

Tier 5 Visas

• The youth mobility scheme allows young people and temporary workers to come to the UK on a tier 5 visa for up to two years. Participants in this scheme must be residents of a participating country and between the ages of 18 and 30.
  
  

Spouse Visas

• While spouse visas are not determined on the points calculator, the applicant must prove to the adjudicator that they are in a genuine relationship and will not be a burden to public funds. The length of the visa will depend upon the length of time the couple have been married and where they have lived during that time.