| Home Office, UK has announced the
changed HSMP (Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) scheme which also
replaces the HSMP Extension criteria with effect from 08 November
2006. You can not be eligible for HSMP extension by just establishing
that you are economically active in the UK and that you have not
sought any support from UK Public Funds but you have to score 75
points (similar to initial HSMP application) to be eligible for
extension under HSMP.
This will impact all those already in the UK under HSMP who have
to apply for HSMP extension leading to ILR. You may be under HSMP
with initial permission of 1 year or 2 years or you may have obtained
extension earlier making your stay of 4 years under HSMP. However
since the ILR can be submitted only after 5 years as per revised
rules, you will need to apply for HSMP extension for final 1 year.
HSMP extension application is now similar as initial HSMP application
and you would score points for Age, Education and Earnings. You
will also need to demonstrate your knowledge of English Language
to the level of IELTS Band 6. If you fail to score 75 points there
is transitional arrangement available whereby you can switch to
Work Permit under certain conditions.
The recent changes for the HSMP Extension are as follows:
- Qualifying threshold of 75 Points introduced for HSMP Extension.
- You can score 5 bonus points for UK experience if you are able
to claim points under Earnings criteria for your earnings in the
UK.
- Points for your Age at the time of application may be available
- English Language proficiency of IELTS Band 6 compulsory.
| If you are currently under
HSMP and you will need to apply for HSMP extension, please
contact us immediately if you feel you will have difficulty
in scoring required points for HSMP extension. We may be able
to help you in planning for HSMP extension under revised scheme
for HSMP extension. |
Please select the applicable options to know your qualifying score:
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