Please note that the HSMP is about to be replaced by Tier 1 of the new UK Immigration five-tier System.

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme or HSMP as it is commonly known; is a category for entry to the UK. This programme is similar to the programmes seen in both Australia and Canada. It allows people with sought after skills gain successful entry into the UK.

The HSMP has undergone a lot of changes since it was established on 28 January 2002 the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is one of the most accessible skilled immigration programmes of any "Western Country" in the World. Now in 2008 the HSMP is set to be replaced with the sub-category of tier one of the new tier system. This sub-category will be known as General Highly Skilled Migrants.

Under the current HSMP if you have an MBA from a list of specific universities you automatically get the 75 points needed for entry into the UK. This is generally the only aspect that will change when the HSMP becomes the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category.

Under both the HSMP and the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category you need to gain a minimum of 75 points from the following five ‘scoring’ areas:

• Age
• Educational Qualifications
• UK degree level or professional level qualification
• Previous Earnings
• UK Work Experience

These 75 points are essential to show that you have the sought after skills wanted and needed in the UK. Failure to gain these 75 points will mean that your application to move to the UK under the HSMP or General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category will be rejected.

Two key differences between the HSMP and General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category are within the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category you can no longer automatically gain 75 points if you have an MBA. Also English language requirements are also more stringent with the General Highly Skilled Migrant sub-category.

You need to have a qualification of at least a bachelor’s degree level or equivalent to gain a reasonable number of points for entry to the UK under these categories. Both the HSMP and the General Highly Skilled Migrants sub-category both differ from a work permit scheme as you do not require an employer to obtain a permit for your employment.

Success applicants are granted leave for entry to the UK for a maximum of two years. If you wish to stay on longer in the UK after these two years you need to provide evidence of employment as you need to be working when the two years are up in order to be granted further Residence.