HSMP category closed

On Monday 30 June 2008, Tier 1 of our new points-based system will open globally. On that date, home office will complete the roll-out of Tier 1 (General) worldwide and introduce the Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor) and Tier 1 (Post Study Work) categories.

Tier 1 will replace eight existing immigration categories. The categories that will be replaced are:

• the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP);
• business people (persons intending to establish themselves in business);
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
• International Graduates Scheme;
• innovators;
• investors;
• self-employed lawyers and writers;
• writers, composers and artists.

Any applications submitted under these categories on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and will be considered as invalid.

Anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these categories who wishes to extend their stay will need to apply under the appropriate Tier 1 category of the points-based system when their existing permission to stay ends. All Tier 1 applications must be made by post; it is not possible to make your application at a public enquiry office.

Tier 1 of the points-based system covers highly skilled migrants. The tier will consist of four sub-categories:

• Tier 1 (General);
• Tier 1 (Investors);
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs);
• Tier 1 (Post Study Work).

Information about the Tier 1 (General) sub-category is already available from home office website. Information about the other sub-categories will be published on 30 June 2008.