Highly skilled workers
Transitional arrangements for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
This page explains the arrangements for people who are part-way through the process of applying to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP), or who have permission to stay (known as 'leave to enter' or 'leave to remain') as a highly skilled migrant and want to extend their stay.
On this page:
- If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made on or before 28 February 2008
- If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made in the United Kingdom on or after 29 February 2008
- If your application for an HSMP approval letter from India was made on or before 31 March 2008
- If your application for an HSMP approval letter was from any country other than the United Kingdom and India and made on or before 29 June 2008
- If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made on or after 30 June 2008
- Transitional arrangements for those with an HSMP approval letter
Full details of these requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraph 245E of part 6A, which you can find on the right side of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.
If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made on or before 28 February 2008
Your application will be processed.
Applications for leave to remain in the UK under HSMP made before 29 February 2008 will be decided in accordance with the immigration rules that were in place on 28 February 2008 even if the decision is reached after that date.
If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made in the United Kingdom on or after 29 February 2008
Your application will not be processed and will be returned.
If your application for an HSMP approval letter from India was made 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 even if the decision is reached after that date.
If your application for an HSMP approval letter was from any country other than the United Kingdom and India and made on or before 29 June 2008
Your application will be processed.
Applications for entry clearance under HSMP made in any country other than India before [30 June 2008] will be decided in accordance with the immigration rules that were in force on 29 June 2008 even if the decision is reached after that date.
If your application for an HSMP approval letter was made 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 have already got an HSMP approval letter, but have not applied for permission to enter or stay as a Highly Skilled Migrant, you will automatically score points for your attributes and for English language because you have an HSMP approval letter.
You must fill in all other appropriate sections of the relevant application form, including the maintenance (funds) section.
You willl be charged a reduced fee for your application under the highly skilled worker category.
HSMP approval letters are valid for a period of six 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.