New UK Immigration Policy - HSMP Tier 1

One of the most popular UK immigration categories is the Highly Skilled Migrant Program, or what is often referred to as an HSMP visa. It is designed for high achievers (in any field) and young professionals with good potential.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) was introduced in January of 2002. It enabled skilled and experienced workers from overseas to obtain entry to the United Kingdom, with a route to settlement in the UK. After 6 successful years, the HSMP system has been replaced with Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Visas. The changes were phased in during 2008.

Tier 1 (General) is very similar to the previous HSMP. One notable exception is the removal of the MBA provision which allowed those with MBAs from a list of specific universities automatic qualification. English language requirements are also more stringent under the new HSMP replacement visa, along with maintenance requirements (savings/funds).

Applying for the first tier visa service is an applicant led process and works on a similar premise to the Highly Skilled Migrant Program as it removes the need to apply for a UK work permit visa and affords successful candidates the right to immigrate to the UK with full and free access to the employment market. Holders of tier visas at this level are permitted to live and work in the UK, seek and undertake employment, set up a business or become self employed as they see fit. From 30th April 2009, UK BA had taken measures to tightened Tier 1 criteria and for which the set education criteria equivalent to UK Master Degree. This changes affected 98% highly qualified Pakistani professionals as our Master Degree normally not equivalent to UK Master Degree.

UK BA has now announced to change their policy from 6th of April 2010. Education criteria will again come down to Bachelor Degree and Age points shall also be relaxed till 39 years. In addition, Education factor no more will be mandatory, if you have earned above 150,000 UK pounds equivalent Band then you may be able to score 75 points directly. The HSMP Tier 1 Visa is a points-based immigration scheme. Points are scored in four main areas:

•Educational qualifications
•Past 12 months gross earnings within a 15 month period prior to application
•Your age
•Age points from under 29 years to 39 years.
•Bonus 5 points may be scored if your earnings or educational qualifications were acquired in the UK.
•Language and Maintenance Funds.
You need to score 75 points in attributes and 10, 10 points for English and Maintenance Funds respectively to qualify as a Tier 1 migrant and obtain the visa. It is particularly important that you identify which criteria you are able to claim before making an application, to avoid unnecessary delay and expensive failure.

Initially the Tier 1 visa will be granted for a period of Two years instead of Three years as before. After the initial Two years people on the scheme can apply to stay longer but must re-apply and meet the pass mark of 75 points in attributes and 20 points for language and funds.. The visa will then be extended for a further three years. On completion of the total five years you can also make an application for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency). Again as requirements stand at present, 12 months after obtaining Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for naturalization and to acquire a British passport.

Dependants (partner and children under 18) can be included in your application.

If you wish us to assess your chances of success in new HSMP criteria then kindly do not hesitate to contact us or submitting our online assessment form www.superior.com.pk/online.asp , you may also send your resume at info@superior.com.pk or adil@superior.com.pk

Kindly also see our some of Approved Clients list, which proves our success and most approvals in Pakistan.