Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Outlined below is general information about the process of obtaining residence under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme:

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

This programme is intended to allow highly skilled people to migrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. The HSMP is distinct from the 'Work Permit' in that you do not need a specific job offer in the UK to apply. The applicant does not need to invest in the UK, create jobs in the UK nor do you need to prepare a business plan.

HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANT PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS  

• You can apply from overesas or within the UK (provided you have a lawful status and are not a Visitor or on temporary admission to the UK). You apply to the HSMP Team at Work Permits UK.

• The HSMP is a points-based immigration scheme. Points are scored in 5 main areas:

1. Educational qualifications;
2. Work experience;
3. Past earnings;
4. Your achievement in your chosen field;
5. Your husband's, wife's, civil partner's or unmarried partner's achievements.

• Bonus or extra points are available for applicant's under 28 years of age at the time of application.

• Self-employed General Practitioners qualified to practice in the UK may apply under the HSMP scheme.

• The HSMP scheme allows an applicant to stay in the UK for up to 24 months to seek work or self-employment opportunities. At the end of 24 months, you can apply to extend your visa provided that you are economically active.

• Once you have lived in the UK on the HSMP scheme for 5 years, you can apply towards the end of the 5 years to live in the UK permanently (Indefinite leave to remain).

• Since 12 April 2005, Graduates from the top 50 business schools in the world, including 10 UK business schools, with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) may work in the UK for up to 12 months on completing their MBA. The purpose of this provision is to attract highly qualified and talented managers to the UK. In addition, as an applicant you must demonstrate that you will be able to continue your chosen career in the UK, specify your intended field of work and you must intend to make the UK your main home and be able to support yourself and any dependents without recourse to public funds.