HSMP

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is designed to allow highly skilled people to come to the United Kingdom to look for work or self-employment opportunities. HSMP is popular because you do not need a job offer or detailed business plan to apply to the HSMP and HSMP can also lead to permanent residency in the UK.

Your HSMP application is awarded points based on your skills, experience, age and past earnings. If you are awarded enough points (75) you will be accepted onto the HSMP. The HSMP permit is granted for an initial period of two years. Before this leave expires, the HSMP holder then applies for an extension of the permit, which requires you to re-pass the points test based on updated age and earnings criteria. If the application is successful, a permit is granted for another three years. At the end of this period, the holder will be able to qualify for permanent residence (ILR) in the UK. After one year as a permanent resident with ILR, the holder may qualify for British citizenship.

Anyone outside the United Kingdom can apply for entry to the HSMP. If you are already in the United Kingdom, you may be able to move onto the programme without needing to leave the country i.e. switch in country. Our visa option advice service can advise you on this.

Halliday Reeves Visa Advice Service for £25 can assess your eligibility for acceptance onto the HSMP and whether you can switch in country

It may be easier than you think! So lets get started!