Highly Skilled Migrant (HSMP) / Tier 1
Under the HSMP/Tier 1 you can work or establish a business without needing to have a job in the UK already arranged.
Please note that the HSMP is now changing, and that it will be re-named “Tier 1 General". The new system is fairly similar to the old one, and the method of calculating points remains similar. The main difference is that the application process is simplified.
It is a points-based system with different categories in which points are awarded.
The categories for scoring points include:
1. Qualifications: the higher your qualification, the more points you are awarded. To score any points, your qualification must be equivalent to at least Bachelor's degree level.
2. Earnings: can be in any country, and are calculated over a recent 12-month period. The more you have earned in the period the more you score.
3. Age: younger applicants qualify for more points
4. UK experience: either work or study.
To prove these criteria you will be required to provide extensive and detailed documentation in support of the application. A significant number of applications fail because the applicant has not provided sufficient documentary evidence to support their case.
There are also two other requirements for the HSMP. You must be able to show that your English language skills are sufficiently good and you must also be able to show that you have sufficient funds to financially maintain and accommodate yourself in the UK for an initial period of a few months.
Please email us for further information or contact one of our advisers on 020 7292 2970