Information about the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
From 1 November 2004, applications under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme will be subject to payment clearance. This means that, for example, payments by cheque will be held for 5 working days at our payment contractors before they are passed to the HSMP team.

The following information is not a complete statement of the law.
Due to a significant increase in the number of HSMP applications received, it has become increasingly difficult to meet the published timescales for assessing complete applications.

In order to maximise processing efficiencies within the team, customers are requested to restrict telephone, email and fax enquiries to those of the utmost urgency. All progress checks should be restricted to those applications received beyond the date below. Please note, the HSMP team do not acknowledge the receipt of applications.

If you have received an offer of employment and wish to request that your application be considered on an urgent basis, please fax the offer of employment to the HSMP team, under an explanatory cover. We will only give urgent consideration to applications that have been outstanding for at least six weeks. Requests for urgent treatment for reasons other than employment will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

It is no longer necessary to submit passports with an HSMP application. Passports should be submitted with form FLR(IED) after you have been notified of your HSMP decision in writing. If you have previously submitted your passport and require its return for travel purposes, fax requests to withdraw your leave to remain application should be made to the appropriate In-Country Team. Your passports will be returned to you and you must submit a new FLR(IED) to apply for your leave to remain.



The information below provides more detail about the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. If you have any general queries about the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme, please contact the Work Permits (UK) Customer Relations team:

What is the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme?

The programme is designed to allow highly skilled people to migrate to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. The scheme now has a new assessment for applicants aged under 28 as well as an assessment for those 28 and over.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is different from the work permit scheme because you do not need a specific job offer in the UK to apply.

It is different from business routes such as the Innovators scheme or other business categories because you do not need a detailed business plan; you do not need to create jobs; and you do not need to invest in the UK.

How can I apply?

You should apply to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Team at Work Permits UK (WPUK) in Sheffield. You can apply from abroad. In most cases, you can also apply from inside the UK if you are here with Home Office permission.

Your application will not be successful if you are in the United Kingdom as a visitor, on temporary admission, or without permission.

How do I qualify as a highly skilled migrant?

There is a points-based immigration scheme. Points are scored in five main areas:
• educational qualifications;
• work experience;
• past earnings;
• your achievement in your chosen field; and
• your husband\'s, wife\'s or unmarried partner\'s achievements.

You need to score 65 points or more to qualify as a highly skilled migrant.

Self-employed General Practitioners qualified to practice in the UK may also apply under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.

How long will I be allowed to stay in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant?

At first, we give you permission to stay in the UK for a year to seek work or self-employment opportunities.

After a year, you can apply to stay for longer but you must be economically active.

As a highly skilled migrant, can I stay in the United Kingdom permanently?

If you live here continuously for four years with Home Office permission, you can apply near the end of the 4 years to live here permanently.


You may get consultations by e-mail: