:: Mentor - Immigration, Work Permits & Study Abroad Consulting Firm

HOME > I WISH TO GO U.K > U.K HSMP FAQ

Click Below Question to View its Answer

The HSMP visa has some distinct advantages over a work permit. Firstly the HSMP offers more flexibility because unlike a work permit, with the HSMP, applicants do not need a specific job offer in the UK to apply. The HSMP also differs from the work permit scheme as it does not require an employer to obtain a work permit for the individual and therefore HSMP visa holders are not tied to an employer. The HSMP also differs from business routes such as the Innovators scheme or other business categories such as the Self Employed category because to qualify for the HSMP applicants do not need a detailed business plan or to create jobs and they do not need to invest in the UK.

The HSMP is designed to allow highly skilled people to migrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. The HSMP has different assessment criteria for HSMP applicants depending on whether they are under or over the age of 28. HSMP applicants who are making a HSMP application in the under 28 category must ensure that their application is received before their 28th birthday.

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

The HSMP MBA Provision was introduced on 12 April 2005 and is aimed at attracting highly qualified and talented graduates of the top 50 business schools to work in the UK under the HSMP for up to 12 months on the completion of their MBA. Students who graduate from one of the HSMP eligible MBA programmes (while that programme is on the list of HSMP eligible courses) are eligible to apply for the HSMP MBA Provision. Successful HSMP MBA applicants will be awarded 65 points for their eligible MBA. HSMP MBA applicants must also demonstrate that they will be able to continue their chosen career in the UK and that they intend to make the UK their home. Furthermore, HSMP MBA applicants must show that they can support themselves and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

To be eligible for the HSMP MBA Provision a graduate must have graduated while their MBA was on the list of HSMP eligible programmes. The first list of HSMP eligible MBA programmes was published on 2 December 2004. If an HSMP applicant has graduated on or since 2 December 2004 and their MBA is on the eligible HSMP MBA list then they are eligible to apply for the HSMP MBA Provision.

All HSMP participants can seek and take any type of work while they are in the UK under the HSMP scheme.

The HSMP is a points-based immigration scheme. HSMP points are scored in five main areas: • educational qualifications; • work experience; • past earnings; • your achievement in your chosen field; and • your husband's, wife's or unmarried partner's achievements. HSMP applicants must score 65 points or more to qualify under the HSMP.

Under the HSMP, the HSMP holder’s family (spouse, partner and children) can enjoy the same benefits as UK people. This means that the HSMP holder’s family will have access to free education, free healthcare and the ability to work in the

HSMP applicants can only work while their HSMP application is being processed if their current visa allows them to work and is still valid at the time they apply for the HSMP.

HSMP extension applications must be submitted two months before a HSMP visa holder’s leave to remain under the HSMP expires.

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

Your application must reach Work Permits (UK) before your 28th birthday. Any application received on or after your 28th birthday will not be considered under the young person category. Please note that applications must be received by the last WORKING day prior to your 28th birthday.

If you have been a full-time student in the past 12 months, your earnings of the 12 months immediately prior to you becoming a student can be taken into account.

Even if you have the relevant overseas qualification, you may not be able to pursue your profession in the UK. For example, UK legislation or regulation may require specific qualifications or you may need language skills to a specific level. You must be able to contribute to and benefit from coming to the UK and your application will be evaluated on this basis.

There is no set amount because it’ll depend on your personal circumstances. However, you must show that you have investigated what the costs will be to support yourself and your family and the amount you are bringing with you must be sufficient to ensure that you and your family are able to find appropriate accommodation without the need to access UK public funds while you look for work. The Entry Clearance Officer will assess this for applications made abroad.

The current meaning of ‘public funds’ relates to welfare systems. The current definition is: Income Support, Income-based Jobseekers' Allowance (JSA), Housing and Homelessness assistance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, Child Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Working Tax credit or a social fund payment, Child Tax Credit and State Pensions Credit.

No. For this Program you do not need a job before entering the United Kingdom. However, any efforts you have made to find a job such as arranging interviews, etc will help with the assessment of your application.

The amount will vary depending on your application form. However, in all cases, it should be of a high standard, original, with certified translations if not already in English, and relevant to your application.

It is important that the HSMP Team will be able to clearly establish your salary. Having more than one source for evidence helps them to do this. It has become essential to be able to confirm that your earnings have been declared for taxation so being able to provide wage slips and income tax returns is important. If tax is not applicable in your country of residence then wage slips and bank statements may help establish your case.

No. However, it is important that you mention any pre-existing medical condition that may affect your ability to support yourself, or that may affect your financial stability if expensive treatment is required. This may be an issue when applying for your entry clearance.

If your application is successful you will receive an HSMP approval letter and you can then move into the second stage of the process. This means you can either apply for entry clearance to come to the UK or for leave to remain to extend your stay, on the basis of the HSMP approval.

You will initially be given a 12-month stay. If you then want to remain in the UK under the Program you can apply for an ‘extension of stay’ in the last month before expiry of your permission to stay. After a total of 4 years in the UK under the program you can apply for settlement.

Yes, applications for entry clearance must ordinarily be submitted within 3 months of the approval of the HSMP application. They are submitted to the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in either your country of origin or your country of residence at the time you made your HSMP application. You will not normally be allowed to submit an application for entry clearance in a country was you are based as a visitor or other temporary status. If you are unsure of where to apply any UK mission will be able to advise you.

If you are living in the UK as either a work permit holder (excluding TWES and SBS), a student who has graduated from their course of study, a postgraduate doctor/dentist/trainee general practitioner, a Science and Engineering Graduate Scheme participant, a Working Holiday Maker (only those with a shortage skill occupation), an Innovator, or an applicant undertaking the PLAB test, a clinical attachment or dental observer post then you can apply for Leave to Remain on the basis of your HSMP approval. For all other categories, you will need to return overseas and make an entry clearance application.

No. Under Section 3 of the 1971 Act, your HSMP application is not treated as an in-time immigration application. This means that if you are making an HSMP application and your existing Leave to Remain is due to expire, you may have to make an application for Leave to Remain under HSMP after submission of your HSMP application but prior to approval, before your existing Leave expires. An application for Leave to Remain under HSMP is treated as an in-time immigration application and would normally be submitted after your HSMP application has been approved. However, it can be submitted after your HSMP application has been submitted to Work Permits (UK) and before your HSMP application has been approved if your current Leave is due to expire.

You will be asked to provide evidence of your economic activity during your period of stay in the UK and evidence of your personal earnings during this period, if you are employed. If you are self-employed, a business plan and evidence that you have established a business bank account will suffice. If you have been active both in employment and self-employment you should submit evidence of both. If your application is approved you will normally be given permission to remain for a further three year period