HSMP FAQ

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme visa for immigration to the UK or HSMP, is a UK immigration service designed to allow highly skilled people to immigrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.

How do I qualify?

A Highly Skilled Migrant Programme visa application for the UK is assessed against a Points-Based System (PBS) with a minimum threshold of 75. Points are awarded in four main areas:

Age
Educational qualifications
Work experience
Past earnings

Applicants are also required to possess a high level of ability in the English language and must be able to support themselves without recourse to public funds.

How long can an HSMP visa applicant live and work in the UK?

The initial grant is for a period of 12 months, during which the HSMP visa holder may seek work or self-employment opportunities.

After the initial 12-month period, a candidate may apply for an HSMP extension visa of up to 4 years, as long as they (and their family if applicable) have been able to support themselves.

How does a UK HSMP application differ from a UK Work Permit application?

The HSMP visa service has several advantages over UK Work Permits. Firstly, it offers more flexibility because unlike applying for a UK Work Permit, visas for the HSMP service do not require a specific job offer in the United Kingdom to be in place.

The program also differs from a UK Work Permit, as it does not require an employer to obtain a permit for work for the individual. HSMP visa applications are submitted by the individual and candidates are therefore not tied to a single employer.

The program also differs from business visa services such as the Innovators Scheme or other categories of UK business visas, such as the Self Employed class because to qualify for the HSMP applicants do not need a detailed business plan. Nor do they need to create jobs or invest in the United Kingdom.

Can I switch from my current visa while I am in the United Kingdom?

Applicants already in the United Kingdom who satisfy one of the following criteria may be able to switch to the programme from other immigration services.

Holders of UK Working permits.

Students whom have completed a degree level qualification on a recognised course at a British publicly funded further or higher education institution or a bonafide private education institution.

Postgraduate doctors, postgraduate dentists or trainee general practitioners.

Participants on the current Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme (SEGS)

Participants on the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme.

If an applicant is in Great Britain but does not have leave in one of these categories, they should leave the country in order to apply for UK entry clearance as an HSMP immigration participant.

What is the HSMP provision for Master of Business Administration (MBA) Graduates?

The HSMP MBA Provision was introduced on 12 April 2005 and is designed to attract highly qualified and talented graduates of the top 50 business schools to work in Britain for up to 12 months on the completion of their MBA.

Students who graduate from one of the eligible MBA programmes (whilst that programme is on the list of eligible courses) may apply.

Successful applicants will be awarded 75 points for their eligible MBA. HSMP MBA applicants must also demonstrate that they will be able to continue their chosen career in Britain and that they intend to make it their home.

Furthermore, applicants must show that they can support themselves and any dependants without relying upon public funds.

What if I have already graduated?

To be eligible for the HSMP MBA Provision a graduate must have graduated while their MBA was on the list of eligible programmes.

The first list of eligible MBA programmes was published on 2nd December 2004. If an applicant has graduated on or since 2nd December 2004 and their MBA is eligible then they may apply.

What type of work can I do under this provision and how long can I stay in Britain?

All participants can seek and undertake any type of work whilst they are in the United Kingdom under the scheme.

Can my spouse work in Britain?

Spouse immigration is permitted under the scheme and a successful applicant's family (spouse, partner and dependent children) can enjoy the same benefits as British citizens.

This means that they will have access to free education, free healthcare and the freedom of living and working in the UK. Like a marriage visa or De Facto visa, often referred to as an unmarried partner visa, family members coming to the country on a dependency visa of this kind will ultimately be able to apply for permanent residence in the UK.

Can I continue working in Britain while my application is being processed?

Applicants can only work while their applications for HSMP visas are being processed if their current UK visas allow them to work and are still valid at the time they apply.

How do I apply for an extension?

HSMP extension applications must be submitted two months before your leave to remain under the scheme expires.

How long will my application take?

Application times vary depending on Home Office processing times. At present applications are taking between 5 to 14 weeks.

Can I stay in the United Kingdom permanently?

After living continuously for four years in the United Kingdom, with Home Office permission, successful applicants may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (ILR) often referred to as UK permanent residency. Beyond this, subject to meeting the appropriate criteria, applicants may then be able to apply for British naturalization as a UK citizen.

How do Tier 1 Visas relate to the HSMP?

As part of the new Points Based System for UK immigration (PBS) the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme has been replaced by Tier 1 visas.

The new managed migration system creates a five-tier immigration structure which includes Tier 1 visas for skilled migrants.

Since 29th February 2008, all applications from skilled migrants made from within the UK will be processed under Tier 1.

Find out more about Tier 1 immigration today by visiting the Tier 1 section of the website or complete the Tier 1 visa assessment form now to begin your application.