Tuesday, November 11, 2008

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme [HSMP] - Employment Without Boundaries

As of the 8th November 2006, all HSMP applications shall we considered under a new enhanced points criteria system. Work Experience, Significant Achievement, Skilled Partner and GP provisions have been withdrawn from the scheme altogether. They have been replaced by more stringent criteria in relation to academic qualifications, previous earnings, age and previous work and study in the UK.
Applicants may be outside the UK and may make an application to enter on this basis. Alternatively, applicants may already be working in the UK - usually on the basis of a Work permit - and may apply to switch their status under the HSMP for the benefit of the far greater flexibility it offers. A number of clients switch to HSMP from a student visa or from a Working Holiday Maker.
Individuals already in the UK may apply to switch into HSMP without leaving the UK provided they have leave as a:
* Work permit holder; or
* Student who has successfully obtained a degree level qualification on a recognised degree course at either a UK publicly funded further or higher education institution or a bona fide UK private education institution which maintains satisfactory records of enrolment and attendance; or
* Postgraduate doctor or a postgraduate dentist or trainee general practitioner; or
* Working holidaymaker; or
* Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme participant; or
* Innovator; or
* Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme participant.
There are a number of calculators online that calculate your eligibility: www.internationalworkpermits.com/hsmp-calculator.html
NB: As of 2008 the immigration process in the UK will change and all UK visas / work permits will be on a skilled points based system article by Jannie De Beer

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