Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
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The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is designed to allow highly skilled people to migrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. The scheme was significantly changed on 7 November 2006, with changes taking effect from 8 November 2006. It is different from the standard UK work permit scheme in that applicants do not need a specific job offer in the UK.
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[edit] Points system
The HSMP system is a points-based immigration scheme, requiring a minimum of 75 points to qualify. As of 8 November 2006 the new criteria below apply:
[edit] English Language (Mandatory)
This is a fundamental difference with the new system. The applicant must evidence their English Language ability by one of the following:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Certificate to at least Level 6, issued within the last 2 years.
- UK equivalent Bachelors Degree that was taught in the English language.
- English Language Certificate considered equivalent to IELTS Level 6.
If an applicant cannot evidence their English Language ability then they are unlikely to be able to make application. It is worth noting that an MSc or a Phd are NOT acceptable as evidence of English Language ability.
[edit] Education Qualifications (50)
Qualifications have to be equivalent to a Bachelors, Masters or PhD to be awarded the respective points towards for each level of qualification. Some professional qualifications or memberships can be considered equivalent. Equivalency is usually evidenced by an Equivalency Certificate from UK Naric.
- Bachelors degree (e.g. BA, BSc, ACCA) - 30 points
- Masters degree (e.g. MA, MSc, MBA, ACCA, etc.) - 35 points
- Doctoral degree (PhD) - 50 points
Note: ACCA Parts 1 and 2 will be considered equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree. Full ACCA (Parts 1, 2 and 3) will be considered equivalent to a UK Masters Degree.
Persons with an MBA from one of the top schools on the List of MBA Schools or from a UK university may qualify for an automatic 75 points. Those applying under the MBA Provision will still have to evidence their English language ability, even if their qualification was obtained at a UK, US or similar educational establishment.
[edit] Past Earning (45)
The minimum earned income in country of residence over a 12 month period within the 15 months prior to the application being submitted. Countries are divided into 5 Country Code tables, named A, B, C, D and E. As an example, the UK is Country Code A and the earnings points are as follow:
- £16,000 - 5 points
- £18,000 - 10 points
- £20,000 - 15 points
- £23,000 - 20 points
- £26,000 - 25 points
- £29,000 - 30 points
- £32,000 - 35 points
- £35,000 - 40 points
- £40,000 - 45 points
Earnings are per annum UK Sterling equivalent gross figures, meaning before tax has been deducted. Income considered can be from part-time work and must be income that is personal income (salary, bonus, etc - not share dividends except in very specific circumstances where the applicant is involved in the day to day management of the company from which he or she receives share dividends).
[edit] Age (20)
There are now a variety of points available for the applicants age at the time of application:
Age in years Points
- 27 or under - 20
- 28 or 29 - 10
- 30 or 31 - 5
- 32 and over - 0
[edit] UK Experience (5)
These 5 points are available for UK Experience. This can be either through having gained a degree in the UK within the last 5 years or if you are claiming UK earnings points. (NB- A degree obtained from a UK university can also mean those that are accredited by a UK authority and primarily based in the UK.)
As with the previous system, you will still need to prove that you have sufficient funds to maintain yourself and that you intend to make the UK your home. HSMP still gives full working rights in the UK.
[edit] HSMP Extensions
One of the major differences under the new system relates to HSMP Extensions. These will now be decided on a similar basis to the new HSMP, with the exception of the age requirement being 2 years higher and earnings only needing to be evidenced for an 8 month period on a pro-rata basis on the UK earnings points table for those who had their initial HSMP approved for more than 12 months. Those who had HSMP approved for more than 12 months (usually a 2-year period) will have to meet the same criteria as required for a new HSMP application.
Those HSMP holders not qualifying for the extension but whom have held their current jobs for at least 8 months will have a slightly relaxed path to a work permit, but will still need to get an employer to sponsor a work permit and other requirements of work permits must still be met.
Those that do not hold a qualification at least equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree CANNOT qualify for either a new HSMP or an HSMP Extension based on the rules published on 7 November 2006.
