January 25th 2008 – HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANTS UNDER CURRENT POLICY to end rush for last applications
If are considering living and working in the United Kingdom, now is the best time to apply for a work visa. From the 1st of March 2008, the existing Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) and UK Work Permit schemes will be replaced by a brand new points-based system. The first phase of this will be implemented over the next few months.
The HSMP has been a very popular immigration scheme since its introduction in 2002, as it enabled non EU highly skilled migrants to work and live in the United Kingdom, without the requirement of having a prior offer of employment. Some advantages that exist in the current scheme won't exist in the new points-based system, which could make it harder for skilled migrants to qualify for a working visa.
Currently, the point system criteria of the HSMP is based on age, qualifications, and past earnings. If you can achieve a points score of 75 points and show acceptable English language ability, you can be granted HSMP visa for an initial period of two years, which can be renewed towards the end of the two year period.
In addition, if you have a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), you can be eligible for the MBA Provision, which automatically awards you 75 points if the school where you've earned your MBA from was on the list of the top 50 business schools in the world at the time of your graduation.
The new UK points-based system, will remove the ability to qualify under this MBA Provision. If considering applying for the HSMP it would be advantageous to apply now.
According to the Office for National Statistics in the United Kingdom, there have been 680,700 job vacancies for the three months to November 2007, the highest figure since comparable records began in 2001. It has increased by 14,500 over the previous quarter and up 81,100 over the year so now may be the best time to apply to come to the UK to live and work.
Otherwise, if you need advice or help on applying for any type of visa, simply contact us at info@amblercollins.com
for further information and assistance.
