Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)

This program permits individual to obtain a visa to enter the UK on the grounds of their much needed skills. A system of points determines the acquisition or the refusal for this type of visa. Once the visa is handed over to the highly skilled migrants, they can contact possible employers as it means they are entitled to work in the UK. This program is very similar to the one used by Australia and Canada but the UK has added an MBA provision. See our point’s calculator.

If you are a doctors and you are authorized to work as a General Practitioner in the UK, you should know that if you decide to apply for the HSMP your application will be prioritized. If you are interested in the HSMP, see our detailed guide.

Significant modifications were made to the HSMP work permit in the UK, on the 7 November 2006:

Different points were allocated on the basis of the age of the claimant at the time the application was made.
It became compulsory to master English language to at least IELTS level 6.
Additional points were allocated for education, past earnings and professional experience in the UK.
The acquisition of point on the basis of previous work experience, senior and/or special considerable accomplishment and spouse are no longer considered.
To obtain The Highly Skilled Migrant program’s work permit, the applicants now need a minimum of 75 points.
The applicants for an extension of the HSMP now need to comply with the same requirements as new HSMP applicants.

The 75 points are calculated from the following 5 scoring areas:

Educational qualifications (Including MBA Provision);
Points for age if you are under 32 years of age;
Previous earnings;
UK degree level or professional level qualification;
UK work experience

If you do not reach 75 points and your command of English isn’t of level 6 of the IELTS, your HSMP applications will not be processed whether it’s a new one or an extension application.

For full details and information on the HSMP program see our detailed guide.

If you want to find out about our professional fees, HSMP services and HSMP Application Plan contact our London office to book for a HSMP consultation.

The ILPA mentions that only 44% of the applications for HMSP work permit (UK) were granted in January 2005 so if you do not comply with the requirement for a HSMP, other immigration plans exist. See at the main UK page. Our professional Services can help you avoid making the most common mistakes.

From 12 April 2005 and including with the new HSMP scheme announced on the 7th of November 2006, a new provision was granted to certain MBA graduates. Those graduates now qualify for extra points towards the 75 points which can be enough for approval. Find out more about the Highly Skilled Migrant Program MBA Provision.