For a FREE ASSESSMENT of your eligibility to apply please complete our online assessment.

What is the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme?

The HSMP is designed to allow highly skilled people to work in the United Kingdom without the need to have a specific job offer.

The HSMP is a points-based scheme with four main scoring areas:

• Educational qualifications
• Gross taxable earnings for a 12 month continuous period within a 15 month period prior to submission of an application
• Age
• Bonus points are available if your earnings or educational qualifications were obtained in the UK.

Applicants need to achieve a points score 75 points or more to qualify as a highly skilled migrant or meet The MBA Provision. In addition, you must provide evidence of English language ability to qualify.

The HSMP also has a provision in place for applicants who have completed a Masters in Business Administration, The MBA Provision.

Initially the HSMP visa will be granted for a period of two years. Towards the end of the initial two years HSMP participants can apply to stay longer but must re-apply and continue to meet the pass mark of 75 points. The visa will then be extended for a further three years. On completion of five years applicants can make an application for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency).

Application to enter/remain in the UK on the HSMP

Dependant on your circumstances, following approval of HSMP you may need to apply for entry clearance at British Embassy or High Commission in your country of residence.

Successful applicants will be granted leave to enter the UK for two years and after this further leave to remain will be granted where evidence of a continued point’s score of 75 points can be provided.

In-country "switching" will be allowed for those already in the UK holding visa's that lead to permanent residence, or who are already explicitly permitted to switch into work permit employment. This will allow, for example, graduating students and doctors to apply for the HSMP providing that they meet the following criteria:

• currently lawfully in the UK;
• are not subject to enforcement action;
• do not have an appeal outstanding; and
• in the case of graduating students and doctors, that they have not been sponsored by their overseas government.

Proof that all criteria are met must be supplied with the individual's application. If successful, applicants will initially be granted 24 months' stay in the UK. Towards the end of the 24 month period applicants can apply to remain in the same capacity for a further period of up to 3 years. After 5 years as a highly skilled migrant, applicants can apply for permanent residence. Please note that periods spent in other categories that lead to permanent residence will also count towards the five year- i.e. if you have held a work permit for 2 years and then switch into the HSMP category, after you have completed three years as Highly Skilled Migrant you will be eligible to apply for indefinite Leave to Remain

If you would like to speak with one of our consultants regarding your eligibility to apply for a Highly Skilled Migrant visa, please do not hesitate in contacting us on +44 207 371 0213 or info@amblercollins.com, you can also complete our HSMP assessment form online.

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