Jump to content

Tier 1 (General)

A highly skilled migrant reviewing their application

Maintenance (funds)

This page explains what proof of maintenance you must send to support your application to the highly skilled worker category (Tier 1 General) under the points-based system to work in the United Kingdom.

Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245A-F of part 6a which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.

What the documents must show

Your documents must show:

  • you have had at least £800 in cash in your account, at all times over the 90 day period, if you apply before 14 June 2012; or
  • you have had at least £900 in cash in your account, at all times over the 90 day period, if you apply on or after 14 June 2012.

The most recent bank statement must show a date within 31 days before the date of your application.

Other accounts or financial instruments (such as shares, bonds and pension funds), regardless of notice, are not acceptable.

If you wish to rely on a joint account as evidence of available funds, you must be named on the account along with one or more other named individual.

The documents are:

back to top

Personal bank or building society statements covering the 90 day period immediately before the application

The personal bank or building society statements should clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the statement;
  • the financial institution's name and logo;
  • transactions covering the 90 day period;
  • that there is enough funds present in the account; and
  • that there has been enough money present in the account for the past 90 days.

If you wish to send electronic bank statements from an online account these must contain all of the details listed above. In addition, you will need to send a supporting letter from your bank, on headed paper, confirming that the statements are genuine. Alternatively, electronic bank statements with the official stamp of the bank that issued the statements will be accepted. The stamp must appear on every page of the statement.

We will not accept statements which simply show the balance in the account on a particular day as these documents do not show that you hold enough funds for the full period required.

back to top

Building society pass-book covering the previous 90 day period

The building society pass-book should clearly show:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the financial institution's name and logo;
  • transactions covering the 90 day period;
  • that there has been enough money present in the account for the past 90 days.

back to top

Letter from bank confirming funds and that they have been in the bank for at least 90 days

back to top

The letter from a bank or building society should state:

  • your name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the letter;
  • the financial institution's name and logo;
  • the funds held in your account; and
  • that there has been enough money present in the account for the past 90 days.

We will not accept letters which simply show the balance in the account on a particular day as these documents do not show that you hold enough funds for the full period required.

back to top

Letter from financial institution regulated by either the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), and Prudential  Regulation Authority (PRA), or the home regulator confirming funds

The letter from the financial institution regulated by the FCA/PRA or the home regulator should state:

  • your  name;
  • the account number;
  • the date of the letter;
  • the financial institution's name and logo;
  • the funds held in your account; and
  • that the funds have been in the bank for at least 90 days.

We will not accept letters which simply show the balance in the account on a particular day as these documents do not show that you hold enough funds for the full period required.

The home regulator is the official regulatory body for the country in which the institution operates and the funds are located.

back to top