HSMP Visa

The HSMP visa scheme has two forms of assessment; one is for HSMP visa applicants aged 28 and under, and another assesment for HSMP visa applicants aged 28 and over.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) differs from the regular UK work permit because it allows you to come to the UK for the purpose of employment without actually having any existing job offers from UK companies. 

The HSMP visa programme is a points-based immigration scheme.  It requires the candidate to have a minimum of 65 points to qualify for the HSMP visa. Points are scored in five main categories (with maximum points available):

• educational qualifications (30 hsmp points)
• work experience (50 hsmp points)
• past earnings (50 hsmp points)
• achievement in your chosen field (25 hsmp points)
• husband's, wife's or unmarried partner's achievements (10 hsmp points)

General practitioners may also receive a further 50 points if they can provide full credentials. Also, those aged under 28 receive 5 points toward an age allowance.

Past Earnings

This category requires you to demonstrate a minimum earned income in your country of residence over the last 12 months prior to the HSMP visa application being made in order to score points.

In order to reflect differences in income levels across the world the level required to qualify varies depending on where you live.

The country you are currently residing and working in rather than your nationality determines the income band.

A significant difference in the HSMP visa requirements for those under 28 compare to those 28 or over are the levels of past earnings required to achieve points in the category.

For example, if past earnings were generated in the United Kingdom (the highest income band), the minimum earnings to gain any points for the hsmp visa  is £27000 or £40000 for people aged 28 and over.

However, if applying fro the HSMP visa from India the required earning is adjusted to £5000 or £7500 for those aged 28 and over.