UK HSMP Visa Highly Skilled Migrant Program

The UK HSMP Visa (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) is one of the most popular methods of immigration to the UK for Highly Skilled Migrant Workers, allowing you to live and work in the UK without an employer needing to sponsor your visa.

The first stage of the UK Points Based system of immigration started in the UK on 29 February 2008 with the introduction of the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa. Tier 1 will replace HSMP in India in April 2008 and some time in the summer for the rest of the world. If you qualify for HSMP then you should apply as quickly as possible, as Tier 1 in your country is likely to involved the British Embassy or High Commission, where delays and mistakes are to be expected. Take the first step by requesting a free HSMP assessment.

If you are in the UK and able to switch in-country or you currently have HSMP status and you require an extension then you will need to apply for a Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa. You can assess yourself using our Tier 1 Points Calculator.

It is further worth noting that, as of April 2006, HSMP applications are being approved for an initial period of 2 years.

• With the UK HSMP Visa you can interview with potential employers safe in the knowledge that you already have the right to work in the UK.
• You can work for any employer in any capacity without the employer needing to sponsor a work permit, giving you more chance of getting the job you want and allowing you the freedom to change jobs when you want.
• Time spent working in the UK under HSMP counts towards Permanent UK Residence.
• From 12 April 2005 there is a new provision within the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme for some MBA graduates, effectively giving you full qualifying points towards your HSMP application. This is enough on its own to give HSMP approval. Find out more about the HSMP Visa MBA Provision.

As of April 1st 2007, the Work Permits (UK) Application Fee has been increased to 400 GBP

On 7 November 2006, Work Permits (UK) HSMP criteria were significantly changed:

• The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme qualifying score was increased to 75 points.



• A wider range of points were made available for the applicants age at the time of application .



• Further points were made available for education, past earnings and UK experience.



• English language ability to at least IELTS Level 6 was made an absolute requirement.



• Previously available points for work experience, senior or specialist experience, significant achievements and spouse were removed.



• There were significant changes made to the HSMP Extension process. Extension applications for HSMP must now meet the same criteria as new HSMP applications. You can assess your HSMP Extension by using our Points Calculator.

The UK HSMP Visa is a points based system, revised on 7 November 2006. There are a number of areas where you can score and you must get a minimum of 75 points and evidence your English language ability to be considered.

Applications are made up of 2 equally important parts:

• Assessing a correct amount of points towards the application.
• Ensuring that the supporting documents are provided and say the right things. This requires in depth knowledge of what the Work Permits (UK) HSMP Team actually needs to see from an application and, more importantly, how to phrase it, in order to make a successful application.
• According to ILPA, the Work Permits (UK) HSMP Team approved only 44% of applications in January 2005. We have an approval rate of around double this figure for the Highly Skilled Migrant Program.

We have designed a UK HSMP Visa Points Calculator which will ask a few basic questions and let you know how many points you might score.

If you would like a free assessment for the HSMP Visa by one of our UK Immigration Specialists then simply upload your CV during this process.

We will let you know if you qualify for the Highly Skilled Migrant Program and can help you make a successful application by providing our advice and guidance in getting the right evidence and then representing your application directly to Work Permits (UK).

The pass mark is 75 points. HSMP applications will not be progressed if 55 points cannot be achieved. This also applies to HSMP Extension applications.