Highly Skilled Migrant Programme
How can I settle in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant?
This section explains how you can apply to stay in the United Kingdom permanently (settle) under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). You should read this section if you have been in the United Kingdom under the HSMP for at least five years.
If you have been in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant for less than five years you should read the section on Extending your stay. If you are currently outside the United Kingdom or are here under a different immigration category you cannot apply to the HSMP. You should apply as a highly skilled worker (Tier 1 General) under the points-based system.
The requirements for settlement
To qualify to settle in the United Kingdom under the HSMP you must:
- have been living legally in the United Kingdom for the last five years; and
- currently have permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant; and
- have been in the United Kingdom as a highly skilled migrant, work permit holder or innovator throughout the five years; and
- have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the five years; and
- have been employed, self-employed or a combination of the two throughout the five years; and
- have sufficient knowledge language and life in the United Kingdom.
Making an application
In order to stay settle in the United Kingdom under the HSMP you will need to make an application for indefinite leave to remain using application form SET(O). You should read the information in this section before you make an application to make sure you meet the requirements to settle in the United Kingdom. You will need to pay a fee when you make your application. This fee will not be refunded if your application is unsuccessful because you do not meet the requirements.
If you meet the requirements it is important you complete the application form correctly and provide all the supporting documents we need. Your completed application form and the processing fee should be sent to our offices.
After your application
If your application for indefinite leave to remain is successful you will be able to remain in the United Kingdom permanently. You will not need to apply to extend your stay any further and you will no longer have any time limit on your stay. You may want to consider applying for British citizenship.
Transferring your indefinite leave to remain to a new passport
If you have been issued with a new passport or travel document you can apply for us to transfer your indefinite leave to remain stamp. You can travel with your new passport or travel document without having your leave transferred providing that you carry your old passport or travel document with the stamp or the letter in which your leave was granted.
If you wish to transfer your permission to your new passport or travel document you should apply using application form NTLTOC. Full details of how you can apply are available from the UK residency section of the site.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is my immigration status while my application is being decided?
If you make an application before your authorised stay ends, your existing immigration status will continue until your application is decided, even if the decision is not made until after the end of your permitted stay. If your existing visa or other permission to stay here allows you to work, you can continue to do so until your case is decided.
Application forms
Permanent residence in the United Kingdom in an employment or other category listed on the form
- Form SET(O) PDF 1.0M opens in a new window
- Guide SET(O) PDF 65K opens in a new window
- Photo guidancePDF 325K opens in a new window