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Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

Highly skilled migrant worker

Migrants who have already settled in the United Kingdom under the HSMP or Tier 1 (General) on the basis of having completed five years continuous residence in a qualifying category

This page explains the arrangements we have put in place for migrants who:

  • are covered by the HSMP Forum Ltd judicial review (settlement in the United Kingdom) judgment; and
  • have already settled in the United Kingdom on the basis of having spent five years in a qualifying category.

You fall into this group if:

  • you were initially granted entry clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom for one year under the HSMP requirements;
  • you then successfully applied to extend your stay by a further three years; and
  • you later had to make a second extension application in order to complete five years continuous residence in the United Kingdom.

You will be able to apply for a one-off payment to cover the cost of your second extension application, which would not have otherwise been required. To request this one-off payment, you must complete a request form, which you can download from the right side of this page, and send it to the address given on the form. We will make the one-off payment by cheque to the person listed as the main applicant in the second extension application.

In addition, if you apply for citizenship in the future, you will be considered to have been settled in the United Kingdom from the point when you first completed four years qualifying residence. When we send you your one-off payment, we will also send you a letter to confirm this. If you apply for citizenship, you will need to send the letter with your application as confirmation of your position.

You must apply for the one-off payment described above before 20 May 2010.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How are dependants affected?

    Dependant status will follow that of the principal applicant.