On 30 June 2008, H.S.M.P. was replaced all over the world by the Tier 1 H.S.M.P. Visa, which is part of the UK Points-Based System. H.S.M.P. is a very popular points-based visa that allows all the independent immigration to the UK for highly skilled migrant workers. On 29 February 2008, the new Points-Based System commenced with the introduction of the Tier 1 General Highly Skilled Visa, which replaced H.S.M.P.
The Highly Skilled Migrant Program has free assessment that was updated on 7 November 2006. It is now found online, using the first HSMP points calculator to be published under the current HSMP rules. For all those who want a qualified consultant to assess their application, one can simply upload their CV at the end of the whole process and it will fully assess one’s chance of approval, which can also be used for extension applications.
H.S.M.P. visa points are assessed through different ways, such as an interview. One can confidently interview with potential employers, knowing that they already has the right to work. Being an MBA graduate provides one full qualifying point toward an HSMP application. This was introduced in 12 April 2005. The MBA is enough to give one approval through the new HSMP scheme announced on 7 November 2006. The ILPA work permits (UK) approved only 44% of the applications in January 2005.
The work permits (UK) H.S.M.P. criteria were significantly changed on 7 November 2006. They stated that the Highly Skilled Migrant Program qualifying points were increased to 75 points. During the application, a wider range of points were made available for the applicant age at the time.
According to one’s level of education, past earnings, and UK experience, more points were made available. For those who had the English language ability to at least IELTS level 6, this was added an important requirement. All the available points for work experience, senior or any specialist experience, significant achievements, and spouse were removed.
As time passed by, significant changes were made to the H.S.M.P. Extension process. The application process for H.S.M.P. must not meet the same criteria as those of the new H.S.M.P. applications. One can assess his or her H.S.M.P. Extension by using the new points calculation.
