Interim limit for Tier 1 (General) applications
On 19 July 2010, the UK government introduced a limit on the number of initial applications from outside the UK that can be granted under Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system until 31 March 2011.
The UK Border Agency is administering the limit on a monthly basis. However, the way that you apply for permission to enter the UK under Tier 1 (General) remains the same.
If your application meets all the requirements and the limit has not been reached for the month when you applied, we will issue you a visa in the usual way.
If your application meets all the requirements but the limit for that month would be exceeded if we issued you a visa, we will defer your application to the next month when the limit allocation reopens. If your application does not meet the requirements, we will process it as normal even if the limit has been exceeded. You can still submit your application even when a monthly limit has been reached.
All applications will be processed in the order in which they are received, as far as operationally possible. You will be informed in writing of the final decision on your application.
When making any travel plans, you should expect that your application may take longer than normal if the limit is reached.
The interim limit will not affect:
■applicants who are already in the UK (with current permission to stay in any immigration category);
■dependants of Tier 1 (General) applicants; or
■applicants to the Investor, Entrepreneur and Post-study work categories of Tier 1.
