Work Visa Requirements in UK:

The UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) was introduced on 28 January, 2002 targeting qualified professionals.

The HSMP programme allows you the flexibility to be an employee or self-employed person. The UK HSMP visa is granted within a few weeks and will normally lead to permanent residence at the end of 5 years.

An individual has to obtain a minimum of 65 points from the following 7 scoring areas:

Young Person Assessment
Educational qualifications (including MBA Provision)
Work experience
Past earnings - 28 years of age or over/under 28 years of age
Achievement in chosen field
Partner's Achievements

Unlike the work permit scheme, HSMP does not require an employer to obtain a permit for the individual. Applications must be made before entry into the UK at the nearest British Embassy or High Commission. The applications will be referred to a central unit of Immigration staff based in Sheffield, UK.

Successful applicants will be granted leave to enter the UK for a year. The applicant will be granted further leave based on the evidence of employment provided by him or her.

In-country switching will be allowed for those already in the UK in categories leading to permanent residence*, or who are already explicitly permitted to switch into work permit employment. This will allow, for example, graduating students and doctors to apply for the HSMP on the condition that the applicants meet the following criteria:

a. The applicant must be currently living lawfully in the UK
b. The applicant must not be subject to enforcement action
c. He or she should not have an appeal outstanding  
d. In the case of graduating students and doctors, they should not have been sponsored by their overseas government.

This is a permanent programme since 31 October, 2003. Proof for all the criteria must be supplied with the individual's application in support of their claim. Under the HSMP, applicants will initially be granted 12 months' stay in the UK. Then towards the end of the 12 month period, applicants can apply to remain in the same capacity for a further period of up to 3 years. After 5 years as highly skilled migrants, applicants can apply for permanent residence*.

Please note that periods spent in other categories that lead to permanent residence will count towards the five years.

For more information on HSMP and other visa-related information, please visit http://www.workpermit.com/uk/hsmp_calculator.htm. You may submit your details and have your HSMP points score calculated for entry to the UK under the UK Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)