The following is a detailed description of sections where you can score the mandatory 75 points. Some important tips are included here for your success.

There are 6 main categories under which you can score

  1. Age
  2. Qualifications
  3. Earnings
  4. UK experience
  5. English Skills
  6. Maintenance

Academic qualifications
A significant number of points can be scored with your academic qualifications.
An undergraduate Bachelor’s degree gives 30 points
A Postgraduate taught or research based, Masters (MSc) qualification gives 35 points
A PhD is worth 50 points

Previous Earnings
This depends on the country you have previously worked in. If it’s a developing country the amount will be less. If previous earnings are from outside the UK, you can calculate the specific amount by first converting from your currency to pounds, then entering this figure in the Tier 1 General Visa calculator at {http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator}

Age
Similar to the HSMP scheme, you have a better advantage if you are younger (by the way UK has legislation against age discrimination !). A maximum of 20 points can be scored under this, if you are less than 28 years of age.

Under 28 gives 20 points
Between 28 or 29 10 points
30 or 31 5 points

UK Experience 5 points
If your previous earnings are from the UK or
If your qualifications were gained while in the UK

English Language Ability 10 Points
Much tougher requirements have been introduced to measure this. This requirement can be satisfied by providing one the of below

  • Successfully passed an English language test, equivalent to level C1 of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for Language Learning
  • A grade C or better at GCSE or
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System), an overall band score of 6.5
  • You come from a country where English is spoken by the majority of the population.
  • Completed a degree taught in English , if this is not from the UK, then the degree needs to be verified with NARIC (National Academic Recognition Information Centre http://www.naric.org.uk/index.asp?page=17), to make sure that it’s consistent with the level of English required for Tier 1 General visa. NARIC provides 3 levels of service depending on how quickly you want your qualifications to be verified.
    • Fast track plus: 24 hour turnaround £235
    • Fast track: 48 hour turnaround £176.25
    • Standard: 10 - 15 working day turnaround £47

Maintenance 10 Points

You must show that you can support yourself and any dependants, this will give you 10 points.

If applying from within the UK
Original bank statements to show £800 for a three month period before your application date.

If applying from outside the UK
Original bank statements to show £2800 for three months prior to application, If you are bringing any dependents or planning to bring them during the first 12 months, you must show a balance of £1,600 per dependent ! (and £533 thereafter)

Important things to remember about bank statements
Please make sure all your bank statements are printed on official bank letter heads, with official stamp and signature. Statement must be current and be obtained no earlier that 7 days before your application. (Request the bank for statement, just 3 or 4 days before your application!). The balance must have been maintained throughout the 3 month period for which the statements are taken. Even though it’s not strictly required, it is helpful to include a letter from your bank manager stating that you have maintained your account with a good balance.

Use the detailed points calculator at the Home Office web site http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/pointscalculator
For specific calculations.

Reference:
http://www.ukvisas.gov.uk/en/howtoapply/infs/inf21pbsgeneralmigrant
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/tier1/general/