Highly Skilled Migrant Programme ( UK HSMP )

Information about the UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme ( HSMP UK):

April 2007 - The Home Office announced and increase in the HSMP application fee from 315 GBP to 400 GBP and an increase in the HSMP Extension application fee from 335 GBP to 350 GBP. Entry clearance fees are also to increase significantly.

November 2006 - The Home Office announced the new HSMP points system, increasing the pass mark to 75 points and awarding points only for education, earnings, UK experience (study or earnings) and age. A significant change was also made to the HSMP Extensions process, whereby applicants now need to qualify for points in order to obtain an HSMP extension. Those without a degree level education cannot qualify for HSMP under the new rules.

Clarification: April 2006 - Recently announced proposed changes that will remove work experience points from Tier 1 applications (which will replace HSMP) are NOT confirmed and will NOT be likely to come in force until 2007. This means that anyone that qualifies for HSMP now should apply NOW.

Further to the above, it is also worth noting that, as of April 2006, HSMP applications are being approved for an initial period of 2 years.

From 12 April 2005 there will be a new HSMP MBA Graduates Provision, giving full qualifying points to MBA Graduates from specific business schools.

From 1 April 2005 the Home Office application fee for HSMP has been increased to 315 GBP and the FLR(IED) fee for in country applications has been increased to 335 GBP.

Please note : as of October 31st 2003, the Home Office made an important amendment to the UK HSMP:

1. They introduced a fee for UK HSMP applications. We will advise you how to pay this fee. Should an application require a second or third attempt at success, similar fees will apply each time. This of course makes it absolutely imperative that applications for the UK Highly Skilled Migrant Program are made correctly the first time. Most applications made without representation fail, often due to basic mistakes, insufficient evidence or incorrectly worded evidence.

2. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme ( HSMP ) was made available to more people as the qualifying points score was lowered to 65 points.

3. Those under 28 years of age at the time of application are awarded 5 points simply for being under 28. Also, they do not need to prove as much work experience or earnings to qualify for the UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme ( HSMP ).

4. Those who are married or living together as if married can now claim additional points for the education and work experience of their partners.