When HSMP UK started and how it has changed over time.
UK opened its doors to Highly Skilled Foreigners on 13th December 2001 - for the first time in over 30 years - under a new scheme known as Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. The scheme started in January 2002.
This was the first time that skilled professionals from all over the world were allowed to enter Britain without having a firm job in hand or the need to have UK employer who will sponsor the Work Permit.
Home Office said in the announcement statement that HSMP "is designed to attract highly mobile people with the special talents that are required in a modern economy".
This was the first time that the UK had announced the Points based system - similar to Immigration Schemes operated by Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Initially the HSMP applications were to be submitted with the documents to the UK Embassy, UK High Commission or UK Consulate in your country of residence but from April 2003 this was changed and the HSMP applications were required to be submitted to HSMP Team in Sheffield.
In October 2003 the scheme saw its first major change when Special scheme for Young Professionals was announced as Young Persons Assessment under HSMP for the applicants aged below 28 years.
This was the time when the Application Fees were introduced and HSMP application fees of 150 pounds were introduced.
In April 2004 form FLR(IED) was introduced for extension of HSMP and the fee of 121 Pounds was introduced for HSMP extension.
HSMP is now 3 years old
(How many years has it got to go?) - That is the $64,000 question
