Tier 1 (General)
Transitional arrangements for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
This page describes the arrangements for people who are part-way through the application process for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), or who have permission to stay in the UK as a highly skilled migrant and want to extend their stay under Tier 1 (General).
Full details of these requirements are in Part 6A of the Immigration Rules, which you can find on the right side of this page.
You must read the policy guidance, which you can download from the right side of this page, before you apply.
If you applied for an HSMP approval letter on or before 28 February 2008
Your application will be processed.
If you application for leave to remain in the UK under HSMP was made before 29 February 2008, it will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules that were in place on 28 February 2008.
If you applied for an HSMP approval letter in the UK on or after 29 February 2008
Your application will not be processed and will be returned.
If you applied for an HSMP approval letter from India on or before 31 March 2008
Your application will be processed.
Applications for entry clearance under HSMP made in India before 1 April 2008 will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules that were in place on 31 March 2008.
If you applied for an HSMP approval letter from any country except the UK and India, on or before 29 June 2008
Your application will be processed.
Applications for entry clearance under HSMP made in any country except India before 30 June 2008 will be decided in accordance with the Immigration Rules that were in force on 29 June 2008.
If you applied for an HSMP approval letter on or after 30 June 2008
Your application will not be processed and will be returned to you.
Transitional arrangements for those with an HSMP approval letter
If you already have an HSMP approval letter, but you did not apply for permission to enter or stay as a highly skilled migrant, you will automatically score points for your attributes and for English language when you apply under Tier 1 (General).
You must complete all other appropriate sections of the relevant application form, including the maintenance (funds) section.
You will be charged a reduced fee for your application under the highly skilled worker category.
HSMP approval letters are valid for 6 months from the date of issue.
Terms explained
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HSMP approval letter
A letter from us that confirms you have passed the first stage of the application process for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme because you have the skills and experience required. HSMP approval letters are valid for six months from the date of issue.
Policy & Law
Related documents
- Tier 1 (General) policy guidance PDF 439KB opens in a new window