The HSMP is a visa aimed at highly skilled applicants who wish to enter the UK to seek employment opportunities. Unlike a UK work permit, applicants do not need to have received a job offer in order to successfully gain the visa; they simply need to demonstrate that they intend to take up highly skilled employment in the UK and prove that they are qualified to do so.

The HSMP operates on a points-based system which determines whether prospective migrants from outside the European Union are eligible to apply to work in Britain. In order to meet the criteria for eligibility, applicants must achieve a minimum of 75 points. Applicants who do not meet the HSMP criteria may still be eligible for a UK work permit. The system for awarding points to HSMP applicants is explained below.

Under HSMP regulations, successful applicants are initially granted the right to remain in the UK for up to 24 months, after wish they may apply for an extension of they remain economically active. This extension will allow you to remain in the UK for a further 3 years.

If you do not have a job offer from a UK employer but think you might meet the Highly Skilled Migrant Program criteria fill out our UK Highly Skilled Migrant Program assessment.

Qualifications

The minimum requirement for eligibility for an HSMP application is a UK equivalent Bachelors Degree. Points are awarded on the basis of the tertiary education qualifications held by the applicant; there are up to 50 points available in this section of the application. Under certain circumstances, applicants can also gain credits for holding vocational and professional qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, IMCRS, and CCBST.

Age

Although there are no age restrictions imposed on HSMP applications, the points allocation depends on the age of the applicant. Applicants under the age of 27 can receive up to 20 points in this category. Those aged 28 or 29 can earn 10 points, and those aged 30 or 31 can score 5 points. Applicants older than 31 cannot score points in the age category, but their age will not count against them in any way.

Previous Earnings

Points can be awarded for earnings over the last 12 months. This can constitute any 12 month period within the last 15 months. Point allocations will vary according to the amount of money earned and the country that it was earned in. Up to 45 points can be gained in this category.

English Language Requirement

In order to qualify for a HSMP visa, applicants must provide evidence that they have a good understanding of the English language. This could come in the form of a UK (or equivalent) Bachelors degree taught in English, or and IELTS Report form at band 6 or above.

UK Experience

Up to 5 points can be earned if applicants are able to prove that they have previous experience of living in the UK.

MBA Provision

Applicants who attend one of the top 50 MBA business schools may be eligible for 75 points upon graduation.

Additional Information

Spouse / Civil Partner / Dependents

Your spouse or partner may enter the UK with you as a dependent as long as you are able to prove that you are married, in a civil partnership, or in a relationship of longer then two years. If your partner achieves successful entry clearance to the UK, they will be able to seek and take up employment for the duration of your HSMP visa.