HSMP

A Highly Skilled Migrant Programme visa application for the UK, usually referred to as HSMP, is an option for immigration to the United Kingdom available to professional people, or to those who are interested in working in the UK without requiring a Work Permit.

The Global Visas online HSMP assessment tool allows you to find out NOW whether or not you qualify; by answering a few simple questions you can begin your application instantly.

Benefits

The Program operates on a points-based system and allows people with valuable professional skills to migrate to the United Kingdom in order to look for work or to become self-employed. Unlike a UK Work Permit the HSMP UK visa service requires neither an application from a British company nor a specific offer of employment to be in place. As a result, HSMP offers greater flexibility to the holder ensuring that they are not tied to an employer and are free to undertake employment as they choose.

In addition, HSMP differs from the Innovators scheme or other business categories in that applicants do not need to invest, create jobs or present a detailed business plan. After five years, UK HSMP visa holders can apply for British naturalization, or British Citizenship, for permanent residency in the United Kingdom.

Duration

Initially a visa for Britain through HSMP is granted for a period of two years. After the initial two years, migrants with desirable skills need to apply to stay longer and must show that they are economically active. If you are active through our limited company option (see below), you will earn more points than if you were employed directly. However, either situation is acceptable provided that you can demonstrate evidence of employment.

Eligibility Criteria

The points system requires applicants to obtain a minimum of 75 points based on the following criteria:

Age
Educational Qualifications
Previous Earnings
Work experience in Britain

Age

While age is not a precluding factor for HSMP immigration, people of certain ages receive more or less points according to the following scale:

27 or under = 20 points
28-29 = 10 points
30-31 = 5 points
32 and over = 0 points

Education

Points are awarded in this area of the British HSMP based on the level of qualifications achieved. A British equivalent degree is the minimum qualification required for Highly Skilled Migrant Programme visas. The HSMP point calculator awards additional priority points to Doctors who are allowed to work as General Practitioners in the United Kingdom.

In summary points are awarded as follows

PhD - 50 points
Masters Degree or Professional Level Qualification - 35 points
Bachelors Degree - 30 points

(A British qualification in any of the above categories will gain an additional five points).

(An MBA from a participating university received after December 2nd 2004 will automatically reach the 75 point quota).

Work Experience

Work Experience Points in this area are calculated on the number of year's experience gained by a candidate making an HSMP application in their chosen field. Additional points can also be awarded if the applicant has held a senior or specialist role for a number of years.

Past Earnings Between 5 and 45 Points are awarded for earnings made over the past 12 months. Where the earnings took place is also taken into account, and working in the UK can add an additional 5 points when your eligibility to pursue UK immigration on this basis is considered.

The following additional requirements are also essential to qualify for HSMP

Applicants must have a high level of ability in English.
Applicants must be able to support themselves without recourse to public funding.
Applicants who are or have ever been bankrupt are not eligible.
Applicants who have been convicted of a criminal offence at any time are not eligible.
Applicants must intend to make the British Isles their main home.

Self Employed Option

Our Self employed option allows a person to earn more money per year. As UK HSMP consultants, we set up and manage a Limited company for you allowing you to earn several thousands of pounds more take-home pay. We do this by saving you from large tax bills while working in the country. HSMP applications with the option of working as a freelancer or contractor will not only allow for greater earnings but will also receive more points towards an HSMP extension visa. This means that when your initial two year visa is due for renewal you will be awarded extra points for working through our company solution. This will strengthen your case and save you thousands of pounds in the process. Please note that if you currently have a tax solution in place or wish to work under PAYE this will not prevent us from assisting you.

Spouse and Dependent immigration

Spouse/Unmarried Partner Successful UK visa applications of this kind allow the spouse/unmarried partner of an HSMP holder to apply for a Dependency Visa In these circumstances, spouse immigration requires that the dependant in question must cohabit with you. Unmarried partners making applications for UK visas as dependants must be able to demonstrate that their relationship existed for at least two years prior to the application for HSMP.

Tier 1 Visas

From 29^th February 2008, all HSMP applications from candidates already living and working in the UK will be submitted under tier 1 of the new Points Based System (PBS) for managed migration to the UK. Tier 1 visas are part of a five-tier immigration system which will be rolled out in the UK throughout 2008-2009. Tier 1 visas directly replace the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme and will be issued in four categories; General tier 1 visas, Entrepreneur visas, Investor visas and the Post-Study Work Scheme. To find out more about Tier 1 visas visit the Tier 1 section of the website or visit the online tier 1 visa assessment area to begin your application.

Our online HSMP assessment form is quick and easy to complete. Just answer a few straightforward questions and a Global Visas immigration consultant will contact you.