here is the email
And here is the replyHi,
I came to UK under HSMP category in April 2005 and got a 3 year extension in April 2006 which will expire in end of April 2009.
The rules have changed for HSMP extension since then and all applicants have to meet the points based criteria for extension.
I qualify under these new changes and meet the points threshhold.
My enquiry is that is it possible to apply for new 3 year extension now?
Such an extension would take me to 5 years and make me eligible to apply for ILR.
I ask this because the rules may change in future again and applied retrospectively and the uncertainty associated with it is uncomfortable and makes it impossible to plan for future.
Thanks and Regards
Does this mean that I can apply for extension now which takes me to the end of ILR eligibilty period. My FLR expires in 2009? I qualify now with Masters and 56 K gross pay. Any Ideas?Dear XXX,
Thank you for your email.
HSMP holders can apply for an extension to their visa whenever they like.
We usually advise this to be five weeks before the expiry date of the visa, but you can do this earlier.
I hope this is helpful.
Regards,