HSMP is one of the most popular methods of immigration to the UK, allowing successful applicants to live and work in the UK. It allows individuals in any field to migrate to the UK under a points-based system. The points-based system was designed to encourage people who are already successful to further develop their careers in the UK.
You must obtain a minimum of 75 points in order to qualify for HSMP. You can use our HSMP points calculator to check if you qualify now. (If you already have HSMP, and are due for extension soon, use our HSMP extension calculator instead.)
Generally, applicants qualify for points in areas such as:
- Age,
- educational qualifications,
- recent earnings, and
- experience of life in the UK.
There are a handful of other areas under which points can be awarded. Discover the detail of how points are awarded by reading our qualifying details section. We can also assist you in determining the number of points you qualify for.
Successful application
The Home Office typically approve less than 50% of applications submitted. At Mulberry Finch a lawyer will be assigned to your case, and will act on your behalf to help you avoid a range of common pitfalls that are made in preparing and drafting an application. An application must be carefully considered and completed. A successful application must have:
- The number of points achieved in each qualification category correctly identified, and
- supporting documents that adequately satisfying the Home Office's stringent expectations.
It is essential to ensure that your application is prepared and submitted to the Home Office correctly. The Home Office recommends that you only use a representative that is registered to provide UK immigration advice by the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) for your HSMP application.
In relation to HSMP applicants, Mulberry Finch provide support for:
- Initial HSMP application,
- entry clearance,
- Further Leave to Remain (FLR),
- indefinite leave to remain (ILR)/permanent residency/settlement, and
- naturalisation/citizenship.
If an application fails, the Home Office will generally allow the unsuccessful applicant to request a review of the decision to fail the application. However, new evidence may not be submitted with a review request. If new evidence needs consideration, the Home Office will view this as a new application, and a new application fee payment will be required.
It is therefore vital that all documentation is submitted with the application correctly the first time. This is where our extensive experience, knowledge and in-depth specialist immigration understanding is of value.
Proof for all the criteria must be supplied with the individual's application in support of their claim. In order to make a successful application it is essential that you can provide the necessary evidence to support your points claims. We will guide you through the process, identifying the evidence requirements for you and combining your evidence with our knowledge and experience to give you the best possible chance of making a successful application. Throughout the process, we will review documentation that you provide to us, and alert you to areas of weakness or concern, through formal reviews. For the pieces of evidence that are lacking, we will explain the shortfalls, and guide you on the changes that will be required to ensure you are awarded HSMP successfully, the first time. We will directly represent your application with the Home Office.
Qualifying for HSMP
The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) allows individuals in any field to migrate to the UK under a points-based system. 75 points must be attained to qualify. You can use our HSMP points calculator to check if you qualify now. (If you already have HSMP, and are due for extension soon, use our HSMP extension calculator instead.)
It is important that candidates can also show that they are able to work in their chosen field in the UK. Applicants must be able to support and accommodate themselves and their dependants financially until they find work, without recourse to public funds. Furthermore, apllicants will need to be able to demonstrate English language ability.
If you are an MBA Graduate from certain universities then you might qualify for the MBA Provision, which entitles you to the total number of points required, entirely based on your MBA.
Points are allocated differently for four age categories, with younger applicants earning higher points. The age categories are: Under 28, 28 or 29, 30 or 31, and 32 and over.
Applicants also qualify for points in areas such as:
- Educational qualifications, with higher level degrees earning higher points,
- professional/vocational qualifications,
- experience of life in the UK in either employment or as a full-time student, and
- earnings during the last year or so.
Total points possible
You need a total of 75 points to qualify. The maximum numbers of points that can be awarded for each area are indicated below. You can add together your point scores for each area to estimate if you qualify.
|
Qualifying Criteria |
Maximum Points |
|
under 32 years of age |
20 |
|
education |
50 |
|
UK experience |
5 |
|
recent earnings |
45 |
|
mba provision |
75 |
In addition to scoring at least 75 points in the above areas in total you will need to demonstrate that you have never been bankrupt, or if you have been bankrupt, that you are now considered to be a discharged bankrupt, and that you have never been convicted of any criminal offences.
In order to apply for a HSMP visa we will apply to have the Home Office evaluate an applicant against the criteria covered in our qualifying section. If you think you may qualify, continue to our apply section. If you do not qualify under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, there are other options available to you. These are reviewed in our services section.
If you are still unsure, we can assist you in determining the number of points you qualify for. Please complete our simple query form and an advisor will clarify your eligibility.
Act now
Apart from the HSMP changes in recent months, a new UK Points Based System has been announced. Applicants that currently qualify for the HSMP under the current system should keep in mind that deferring application until the new system is in place may mean that they no longer qualify in future.
