HSMP applicants can claim up to 50 points for their earnings during the 12 month period prior to the application being submitted.
Individuals who have been seconded abroad during the 12 month period they wish to use for earnings points, during which time their wages have continued to be paid in their home country, were previously reviewed against the country where they were actually working.
This practice will change immediately. The rules will now be that people will have their income band assessed against the country in which their position is usually based.
A good example is that of a Japanese citizen working for Goldman Sachs in Boston being seconded to Goldman Sachs in Nigeria for six months to consult on environmental hazards. His permanent post remains with Goldman Sachs in Boston, as he continues to receive his American salary. His income level stays as that of a person working in the US and thus the US income thresholds are considered.
HSMP guidance notes for applicants have been updated to incorporate this new assessment criterion.
