IMMIGRATION
AND NATIONALITY DEPARTMENT
FACT SHEET - THE HIGHLY SKILLED
MIGRANT PROGRAMME (HSMP)
This programme is aimed at attracting
qualified graduate level foreign
workers to the UK.
It
is based on the individual achieving
a specific number of
points, calculated primarily by
reference to the individual’s
educational qualifications, work
experience, their last 12 months’ earnings,
achievements in the individual’s
chosen fields and the individual’s
partner’s achievements.
These applications are currently
taking approximately 6 months to
process.
Notwithstanding this time delay,
the programme is very attractive
to applicants since, if successful,
they are able to take up any employment
in the UK or establish themselves
in self-employment without restriction,
for an initial period of 12 months.
Towards the end of the 12 months,
the applicant may apply for a further
extension of 3 years. At the end
of the 4 year period, the individual
may apply for Indefinite Leave
to Remain.
This is in contrast to a Work
Permit, where the employee is restricted
to working for a specific company.
Prospective applicants should
be aware, however, that there are
currently proposals before the
Immigration Minister to change
the criteria of the scheme which
will almost certainly result in
the criteria of the scheme being
tightened.
There
are also proposals to increase
the current application fee of £150
to between £320-375.
In order for us to assess whether
you qualify for this programme
please complete our HSMP
assessment form and e-mail it back to us at
mail@lawserve.com or mark.barnett@lawserve.co.uk or sg@lawserve.co.uk
