As a HSMP applicant you must be able to show that you will be able to work in your chosen career and you must also show that you intend to make the UK your main home.
To qualify for the HSMP you must achieve a minimum of 75 points from the assessment criteria outlined below. If you do not meet the HSMP criteria you may still be eligible to apply for a UK Work Permit
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is a points-based visa designed to provide an immigration route for highly skilled individuals to enter or remain in the UK. As one of the most popular means of immigration to the UK, the HSMP allows you to come to the UK to live and seek employment or self-employment opportunities.
As a HSMP applicant you must be able to show that you will be able to work in your chosen career and you must also show that you intend to make the UK your main home.
HSMP - Assessment Criteria
Age
There is no age restriction for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, however the qualifying criteria and points allocation differs depending on your age band.
If you are 27 years of age or under you can earn up to 20 points in this category. If you are aged 28 or 29 years of age you can score 10 points, and if you are aged 30 or 31 you can score 5 points. HSMP applicants who are 32 years of age or over are not eligible to score any points in this category.
Qualifications
A UK equivalent Bachelors degree is the minimum qualification required to be eligible for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. HSMP points are awarded in this category based on the level of tertiary qualifications you have achieved. Up to 50 points can be earned in this category.
In some circumstances vocational and professional qualifications can also score points in this category, for example ACCA, CIMA, IMRCS, CCBST.
Previous Earnings
You may be awarded HSMP points based on your earnings over a total period of up to 12 months. The earnings can be for any 12 month period out of the last 15 months. The income level required is dependent on the country in which your earnings were generated. Up to 45 HSMP points can be earned in this category.
MBA Provision
If you are a student at one of the top 50 MBA business schools you may be eligible to earn 75 HSMP points upon graduation.
English Language Requirement
To qualify for the HSMP you must be able to provide evidence to show that you have a good knowledge of the English language. For example, an IELTS Test Report Form at band 6 or above, or evidence that you hold a UK (or UK equivalent) Bachelors degree that was taught in English.
UK Experience
You may score points in this category if you can provide evidence showing that you have previous experience of living in the UK. Up to 5 HSMP points can be earned in this category.
HSMP - Additional Information
Spouse/Civil Partners/Dependants
Your spouse or partner may apply for entry clearance as a dependant on your HSMP visa provided that you are able to prove that you are either married, in a registered civil partnership, or have been in a relationship for at least two years. If your partner's application for UK entry clearance is successful they will be able to enter the UK to seek and take up employment for the duration of your HSMP visa.
You can also apply for dependants under 18 years of age to join you in the UK. However, you must be able to accommodate and support yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.
Duration
Under the HSMP you are initally granted permission to stay in the UK for up to 24 months. At the conclusion of this period you can apply an HSMP extension provided you remain economically active. An HSMP extension will allow you to remain in the UK for a further three years.
