The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (or HSMP) is a programme for people looking to come to the UK for work who do not have a specific job lined up in the country, but feel that they have the qualifications and skills to make a real contribution to the UK economy. Unlike a normal work permit, which requires the applicant to have a job offer from a company registered and trading in Britain, applications to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme do not need you to have a job offer before applying.

The programme works on a points scheme, and applicants need a minimum of 75 points to be accepted on to the HSMP. Points are awarded in one of five categories, which are as follows; age (if under 32), educational qualifications, professional qualifications, past earnings, and any UK work experience. In general terms, the scheme is designed to attract young, highly skilled immigrants to the UK, and so you will need to show that you qualify on several of these counts in order to qualify. In addition, you will need to prove proficiency in English, either by holding a Batchelor’s Degree that was taught in English, or an International English Language Testing System qualification at least at Band 6 less than two years old.

If your application to work in Britain under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme is approved, you will receive a two-year work permit. This will be renewable, if at the end of that period you can demonstrate evidence of employment.