HSMP stands for ‘Highly Skilled Migrant Program.’ This program has now been closed.
If an individual were looking to apply under this category, they’ll now have to
apply under the ‘highly skilled worker (tier 1 General) category. This will have
to be done under the points based system.
Existing HSMP Visa Owners
If an existing HSMP visa owner were looking to extend their visa, they can do so provided that they are still residing in the United Kingdom. However, they applicant will first be required to change their visa type to the ‘highly skilled worker (tier 1 General) category of visa. Those who aren’t on the HSMP visa can’t extend the existing visa on to the HSMP visa as this category has been closed.
Settling in the UK With the HSMP
While the HSMP category has now been closed, under the program individuals who qualified to settle in the United Kingdom under this visa category met the following criteria:
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Now, however, any applicant who’d like to extend will need to apply to the category
of Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).
Dependants of the HSMP Visa Holder
Dependants of the HSMP visa holder will be allowed to apply for a visa as well, provided that they meet the following criteria:
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For children above the age of 18, they will be required to apply on their own, without the support of the main individuals HSMP status.
Appeals and Decisions
In certain cases, depending on how the application was made, there is a chance that the application to extend into an ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain) visa application may be denied. Those decisions are doled out by the United Kingdom Visa Services organization and only they may provide the individual with the right to appeal its own decision.