Introduction of a points based system for the Highly Skilled Migrant Workers Programme (HSMP): FAQ
- What is the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme?
- What are the changes?
- What are the new points criteria?
- What arrangements are there for GPs?
- Are there any changes to the HSMP extension applications process?
- What transitional arrangements are there?
- Who should I speak to if I have any questions?
- Who should I speak to about my case?
- Where can I find the forms?
What is the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme?
The programme is designed to allow highly skilled people to migrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities.
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is different from the work permit arrangements because you do not need a specific job offer in the UK to apply.
What are the changes?
Applicants will now be judged against new points criteria which reflect the likelihood of migrants' success in the job market better, and should help bring the most highly skilled people to the UK. Why is the HSMP scheme being changed?
The changes are to make sure decisions are more objective and transparent.
What are the new points criteria?
- qualifications
- previous earnings
- prior time in the UK as a student or worker
- age
- participation in an MBA scheme
You must also supply evidence to meet the mandatory English language competency requirement.
What arrangements are there for GPs?
The GP Priority category has been removed from HSMP and so from the 8 November 2006 if you are in the UK to undertake PLAB tests/clinical placements you are no longer allowed to switch into the HSMP category. If you were granted HSMP approval under this category before the 8 November 2006, but your leave to remain application was not submitted until on or after this date, there are concessionary arrangements to allow you to switch in country.
Are there any changes to the HSMP extension applications process?
Changes have also been made to the HSMP extension applications process and the current test, that applicants must show that they have 'taken all reasonable steps to become lawfully economically active' is being replaced. The new test applies a similar points scoring assessment to that introduced for initial HSMP applications. Extension applicants will also be tested for English language competency.
A new application form for applying for further leave under the HSMP scheme, FLR(HSMP), is available from 8 November and should be used from this date to apply for further leave to remain under the scheme. If you make an application for further leave to remain under HSMP made on the old FLR(IED) form after 4 December it will not be accepted.
What transitional arrangements are there?
The Home Office has put in place transitional arrangements if you no longer qualify under the new criteria but are working in a skilled job and making a useful contribution to the UK. If you fall into this category you will be offered the opportunity to seek further leave to remain under the Work Permits scheme, and so the usual Resident Labour Market Test will be waived, as long as you have been working for at least eight months out of a 12 months' grant or at 12 months out of a 24 months' grant.
Who should I speak to if I have any questions?
If you have any general queries about the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, please contact the Work Permits (UK) Customer Contact Centre:
By telephone: 0114 207 4074
By fax: 0114 207 3776
By e-mail: wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
By post:
Customer Contact Centre
Work Permits (UK)
PO BOX 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA
Who should I speak to about my case?
If you have a case specific enquiry, please contact the HSMP team:
By telephone: 0114 207 6020
By fax: 0114 207 6021
By e-mail: hsmp.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
By post:
HSMP
PO Box: 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA
Where can I find the forms?
They can be found on the Home Office website at: www.bia.homeoffice.gov.uk/workingintheuk/hsmp
