cooldesk wrote:Hi All
I got my HSMP approval on 20th August 2007. I have not applied for EC yet. I am outside UK.
I am clear about the 6 months period after HSMP approval within which I should apply for Entry Clearance or Visa.
Do I also need to make first entry in UK within 6 months of HSMP approval (19 Feb 2008 in my case) or I can make first entry any time, even after one year of HSMP approval.
When I called HSMP Team, HO, they told that you need to do both things (EC and entry in UK) within 6 months after HSMP approval.
I look forward to your reply.
Best wishes
Sima
Well, I also called HSMP Team today n response was the same that you have to apply for EC and enter UK within six months. And if its true then all my efforts gone into drain as my initial HSMP was approved on 10th April and today its exactly 6 months passed and I m still planning to leave.
On the other hand, I m still not satisfied with HSMP Team response n will contact my local BHC for further clarifications.
I've gone through the HSMP guidance notes and UK Immigration policy notes and have not found any statement which says that you have to apply for EC and enter UK within six months.
Here is the HSMP Approval letter format; it has not stated anywhere that you have to enter UK within six months for the date of issuance of this letter. It just says about applying for EC within six months n once you got your visa this letter is of no use to you. Because from then onward the only document u'll have is your passport.
Dear xyz,
IMMIGRATION ACT 1971 – HIGHLY SKILLED MIGRANT PROGRAMME (HSMP). APPLICATION AGAINST THE QUALIFYING CRITERIA FROM 5 DECEMBER 2006
APPLICATION BY:
Thank you for your application under the above programme. We have considered the application against the HSMP qualifying criteria and are able to approve this application.
This permission document is valid for six months from the date of this letter. If it is not used to apply for entry clearance or further leave to remain within this period, this document will become invalid and leave will be refused. In this event, you must make a new HSMP application with full supporting evidence (including required evidence supplied to us with any previous application) and the appropriate fee.
If you are currently outside the United Kingdom (UK) you must now make an application for entry clearance to come to the UK under HSMP. This document should be submitted to the British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in your country of residence to support the application. The location of your nearest British Embassy, High Commission or Consulate can be checked on the UKvisas website:
www.ukvisas.gov.uk.
If you are residing in the UK at present, and eligible to switch immigration status to HSMP, you should now complete form FLR(HSMP) to apply for further leave to remain in the UK. This application should be made before your current leave to remain expires. If you are not eligible to switch immigration status, you may return overseas and make an entry clearance application.
The FLR(HSMP) application form is available by telephoning 0870 521 0224. Forms can also be downloaded from the Home Office website:
www.workingintheuk.gov.uk. Forms should be submitted enclosing your passport and those of any dependants, the appropriate fee and it should be addressed as indicated on the form.
Yours sincerely,
HSMP Team
Lastly, I have my passport in front of me n it just says the validity of HSMP Visa which of two years i.e. 21 Aug, 2007 till 20 Aug 2009 (in my case). The only instruction it has is no public funds to be used while on HSMP. Nothing else.
Therefore, in my point of view HSMP Team statement is misleading and false. You can also shed some light on this issue
Cheers,
RAW
