The United Kingdom (UK) government operates the Tier 1 Points-based system to allow individuals with exceptional skills to seek entry or stayto work in the UK without having a prior offer of employment, or to take up self-employment opportunities.It has been very successful since it was introduced on 28 January 2002. On 30 June 2008 the Tier 1 was introduced and the overallpoints score required for approval was set to 75 points, plus 10 points for proficiency in English and 10 points for available maintenance (funds).