Highly Skilled Migrant Program (HSMP)

The HSMP was launched on 28 January 2002. A revised Programme and the Young Persons Assessment were introduced on 31 October 2003. On 12 April 2005 the MBA provision was introduced, to enable applicants with an eligible MBA to meet the points criteria on the basis of their MBA alone. On 3rd April 2006 the initial grant of leave under the HSMP was extended to 2 years, in line with changes to the qualifying period for settlement.

On 7 November 2006 the HSMP was further revised. The overall points score required for approval was increased to 75 points. The Work Experience, Achievement in applicant’s chosen field, HSMP Priority Applications for General Practitioners, and the Partner’s Achievements sections were removed from the Programme and the points awarded for qualifications and previous earnings were amended. The Young Person Assessment was also amended to include additional age bands. An additional points scoring section was introduced for UK Experience, as was a mandatory requirement to demonstrate an appropriate level of English language skills.

The HSMP requirements may change in the future. The Immigration Rules, which provide for entry into the UK under immigration categories including the HSMP, are also subject to change. The criteria for HSMP extensions may also therefore be subject to change in the future.

The application process involves two stages:
Stage 1: The completion of application form HSMP1 to be considered under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (an HSMP application). An HSMP approval decision does not grant permission to come to the UK or to remain if already inside the UK;

Stage 2: If your HSMP application is approved and you are presently abroad, you must make a separate application to come to the UK. If you are already in the UK in another category which allows you to switch in-country into the HSMP you must make an application for further leave to remain as a Highly Skilled Migrant using form FLR(HSMP).

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