Introduction to Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is a scheme introduced for migrants outside the UK/EEC area  who wish to come to the United Kingdom to find work or enter self-employment and to remain economically active during the period under the scheme.

For Highly Skilled Migrants this visa offers a very popular and attractive solution to gain access to the UK job market without needing to find an employer on Work Permits, or establishing themselves as a businessperson.

General Requirement

The new qualifications under the new scheme announced by the Home Secretary on 07/11/2006, means that all applications are considered under the same application form and all applicants must now achieve 75 points to qualify under the new HSMP, however there is additional points to be gained depending on assessment with regards to attributes of qualifications, previous earnings, age, UK experience.

All applicants who qualify for at least 75 points must also meet English Language Requirement to qualify under the new HSMP Scheme

Visa

Eligible applicants under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme are granted an initial period of 1 year stay in the United Kingdom to find employment or enter self-employment.

On completion of the initial period granted provided that the highly skilled migrant person is able to demonstrate that they are economically active by securing employment or entering self-employment a further extension up to 4 years can be granted. On completion of the maximum visa granted for 5 years under the scheme a Highly Skilled Migrant will be eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the United Kingdom.