Home Office Announces Changes to the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP) and Suspends Applications Until 4 December 2006

The Home Office has today (7/11/06) announced changes in the rules which govern the Highly Skilled Migrants Programme (HSMP) and has suspended the programme until 4 December 2006.

The changes involve deleted points that were previously awarded for work experience; significant achievements; skilled partner, and will be replaced with points now awarded for academic qualifications; previous earnings, age and bonus points for previous work or study in the UK.

In addition, there will be a new mandatory English language requirement and a requirement that the applicant him/herself provides more of the relevant documentation.

There are also changes to the criteria for the extension of leave under HSMP. The present test to secure an extension, that applicants must show that they have taken all reasonable steps to become lawfully economically active, will be replaced with a test that uses the same criteria as the initial decision.

The Home Office has announced that in order to secure a smooth transition from the old system to the new, it is necessary to suspend the programme for approximately one month. The new rules comes into force on 8 November 2006 but the Home Office will not accept any applications that were not received by its payment processing centre by 5pm this evening until the programme is reopened on 4 December 2006. However any applications properly received by 5pm today will be processed using the old criteria.

Anyone who has already been approved under the programme can still apply for entry clearance for up to 6 months from the date his or her approval letter has been issued.

The Home Office has also suspended extension applications for the same period as initial applications. However it has reassured applicants that if an applicant's leave to remain expires during the suspension period they will not be disadvantaged.

If you require advice on this or any other UK immigration matter, please do not hesitate to contact one of our specialist lawyers and advisors. Gherson & Co has a dedicated HSMP and work permits department, and we are proud that of our strong track record on these applications.

For more information on HSMP, click here.