Hi everyone, sorry to post so specific a question but I'd imagine a lot of people with arts degrees are in this boat with me. In short, I earned an MFA from Goldsmiths in London about 14 months ago and am weighing up applying for a Skilled Migrant Tier 1 in the new year. As for points, I earn:
35 for having an MA
5 for the MA being done in the UK
20 for being under 28 at the time of application
15 for having a salary of £20,000
for 75 total. the issue lies in "salary" as I've been working in a bar for the last year and am only paid New York's minimum wage for service workers, 4.30/hr. everything else is gratuity. I'm planning on declaring all of my tips on my tax form and can get a letter from my employer confirming my total earnings, but I just want to be certain that non-payroll monies are acceptable as "income" when submitted on a visa application. I suppose a part of this anxiety is born of the fear that i'll be weeded out for having worked a low-skilled job to make a living, but any information is greatly appreciated.
thanks,
michael
