HSMP FAQs

2006-10-18

HSMP - Frequently asked questions about the HSMP program

1.How can I obtain the guidance notes and application forms?

You can download the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme Guidelines and application form from the Working in the UK Website using the 'All Forms' link on the right hand side of the homepage. Alternatively, you can request a copy to be posted to you by calling their Distribution Centre on 08705 210 224.

2.How do I know what documents to send with an application?

The HSMP Guidelines explains the evidence required from you in order to qualify for points towards the scheme.

3.How do the application rules apply to those applicants who are 28 years of age and under?

If you are making an application in the under 28 category, your application must be received before your 28th birthday. Refer to the HSMP Guidance for Applicants Under 28 Years of Age for further advice.

4.What is the fee for consideration of an application and how do I pay?

The HSMP fee is £315. Payment can be made by one of the 3 methods indicated on the payment form:

1.UK Postal Order
2.Credit/Debit card or
3.cheque (payable to 'Home Office, Work Permits (UK)').

5.Do they accept copies of certificates or other evidence?

Any documentary evidence you provide should be original. Where a document is not in English the original must be accompanied by a fully certified translation by an officially recognised translator. An officially recognised translator is defined as one that is recognised by the local British High Commission or Embassy.

6.When will my documents be returned after consideration?

The HSMP case-working Team will return your documents once the application process is complete. If you need your documents back before this time, please contact the HSMP Team.

7.Can I arrange a courier to collect my documents from Sheffield?

If you wish to arrange a courier to collect your documents you can notify the HSMP team by fax on 0114 207 6021 and they will contact you to let you know when and where your documents will be ready for collection. However be aware that the HSMP team will not sign any documents from the courier company or pay for this service.

8.Can I send additional documents after I have made the initial application?

Yes, you can send any clearly identifiable additional documents directly to the HSMP Team in Sheffield.

9.Do I need to send my passport in with the HSMP application forms?

No, do NOT send your passport in at this stage.

10.Can I apply for this scheme by e-mail?

E-mail service is not currently available for HSMP applications.

11.What is the provision for Masters of Business of Administration Graduates?

The 2004 Budget announced a new provision for graduates of the top 50 business schools to work in the UK for up to 12 months on completing their MBA. This provision forms part of the HSMP and aims to attract highly qualified and talented managers to the UK.

If you graduate from one of the eligible MBA programmes while that programme is on the list of eligible courses then you are eligible to apply for the MBA Provision. Successful applicants will be awarded 65 points for their eligible MBA. Like other HSMP applicants, you will also need to demonstrate that you will be able to continue your chosen career in the UK. Although you may not have previous experience in your chosen field, you should know what field you intend to work in the UK. You will also have to show that you intend to make the UK your main home, and that you can support yourself and any dependants without recourse to public funds.

12.Where do I send the completed application form and how?

Initial applications should NOT be sent directly to the HSMP team in Sheffield.

They must instead be sent to:

Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
PO Box 551
Home Office
Doncaster
DN1 1XU

If your application is being submitted while you are in the UK then go to the workingintheuk website for full details on how to apply for further leave to remain.

13.Does the HSMP team acknowledge receipt of my application?

If you have completed one of the new application forms issued after the 1st November 2004 the HSMP team will confirm receipt of your application if you complete the relevant section.

14.What are HSMP processing times?

You can obtain updates on HSMP processing times from the 'News' and 'Announcements' section of the Working in the UK website . This Website also gives you the date of receipt of the applications which are currently being worked on. This is updated weekly to ensure that the information is accurate. However, if you need to contact the HSMP team the details are as follows:

HSMP Team
Work Permits (UK)
Managed Migration
Home Office
PO Box 3468
Sheffield
S3 8WA

Tel: 0114 207 6020
Fax: 0114 207 6021
E-mail: hsmp.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

Note: there are no facilities at this address to receive public callers

For general information you can also contact the Work Permits (UK) general enquiry line on 0114 259 4074.

15.Can my application be processed any faster than published estimates?

It is possible to make a request for your application to be processed urgently in the following circumstances:

You have urgent travel commitments;
You require urgent medical treatment;
You have received an offer of employment;
You have other exceptional circumstances.

You will be required to complete an HSMP Urgent Treatment form which can be faxed to the HSMP Team on 0114 207 6021. You can obtain a copy of this form from on www.workingintheuk.gov.uk using the 'All Forms' link on the right hand side of the homepage.

16.Can I continue working in the UK while my HSMP application is being processed?

Please see workingintheuk.go.uk

17.How do I notify a change of my address?

If you change your address please send full details to the HSMP Team in writing, by e-mail HSMP.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk or by fax on 0114 207 6021.

18.How long have I got, after a successful application decision, to enter the UK?

You must apply for entry clearance at a British Embassy within your own country and within 3 months from the date of your approval letter. You must then enter the UK within 3 months of a successful application for entry clearance.

19.How do I apply for an extension to an existing HSMP permission or one close to expiry?

Extension applications must be submitted two months before your leave to remain as a Highly Skilled Migrant expires.

You should complete a FLR (IED) form, enclosing the appropriate fee (£335) and documents (see page 10 of the FLR(IED) form). Your passport and those of any dependants must be sent together with the FLR (IED) form in order to be endorsed.

20.My application for HSMP was unsuccessful, what can I do?

If you believe the marking has been unfair and you wish the case to be reviewed without submitting any new evidence, then simply fax or post a letter requesting a review and outlining the point where you think the case should have been marked differently (you should include your reference number). Your case will then be passed to a different case-worker who will independently mark it. You will not be charged for this sevice.

If you wish to submit new, or additional, evidence to support your application, or if you wish to claim additional points, you must submit a new HSMP application, on a new form and all the original documentary evidence. As this constitutes a new and separate application, you will be charged the standard cost for this.

Related:

HSMP Internal Guidance

HSMP FAQ Update

HSMP changes for initial and extension applications

HSMP MBA Provision - What is it ?

HSMP Information

HSMP Visa

HSMP Calculator