hsmp28122006 wrote:z00ps00p wrote:I applied for my Transitional Tier 1 (General) in the first week of January, and received my passport with stamp this week. It took 30 days in all.
Congratulations! What do you mean by 'transitional Tier-1'? Do you mean to say HSMP->Tier1 extension?
No, I applied for the HSMP after February 28 last year but before the cessation of the HSMP. I got my HSMP approval letter around the middle of last year, but by that time HSMP entry clearance was no longer offered. Instead, HSMP approval letter holders need to make a Tier 1 (General) application, and provide the HSMP approval letter, which automatically grants 75 points for attributes. In addition the applicant must provide proof of maintenance funds and all the supporting evidence that was provided to earn the HSMP points.
In effect, Tier 1 (at least until the new April rules come into effect) so far has effectively been a combination of an HSMP application and the HSMP Entry Clearance application (for the actual visa), processed by the consulate rather than partly by Work Permits (UK). Since I'd already qualified for the work permit via HSMP, my application was effectively just an Entry Clearance application.