HSMP visas are issued to any applicant, with a certain level of experience and tertiary education, who wish to live and work in the UK. In the first instance the Home Office will issue a visa of 12 months duration under this category and once issued, the holder will be able to engage in any type of employment, within his/her chosen field. At the end of the 12-month period a further visa can then sought for 3 years and following a continuous period of 4 years in this capacity the holder can make an application for permanent residency. Additionally those who have already spent time as work permit holders in the UK can use that time towards the 4-year period for permanent residency if a change is now made to the HSMP. For example, an applicant who has held a work permit for the last two years and now wishes to change visa conditions to the HSMP could apply for permanent residency after a further 2 years with the HSMP Visa. It therefore follows that this visa type is vastly superior to either a standard work permit (which restricts employment to one employer and does not allow any additional agency work or self employment) or any training visa, which would only allow employment in educationally approved posts and does not lead to any formal permanent residency.

It should be noted that applicants for the HSMP are expected to make the UK their main home and application for permanent residency are only likely to be successful where the applicant has remained in the UK for at least 75% of the four year qualifying period. HSMP applications are the candidate’s personal responsibility not an employers. Persons in the following Immigration Categories are permitted to apply for and be issued HSMP Visas whilst in the UK. a) Work Permit Holders. b) Students who have completed a degree level Post. c) Working Holiday Makers having been in the UK for in excess of 12 months. d) Those engaged with the Fresh Talent Schemes (working in Scotland) e) Those in the UK under the Innovators Scheme.