First year in UK under HSMP - confusing advice from WPUK

[Buchik]

Hi to all experts

I know this question has been asked on this forum for about a thousand times (and there seems to be a clear consensus on it), BUT I have recently received an explanation from WPUK which is fundamentally dufferent to my understanding, hence the question (episode 1001):

-When does the first HSMP year start (that is the year at the end of which one has to apply for the 3 year extension)? Is that:

a) the "Valid From" date in the EC sticker, or
b) the date of the HSMP approval letter?

I looked through most current and archived posts of this forum and the consensus seems to be a). However, WPUK believe that b) is correct (in which case I am in trouble because I postponed my flight to the UK for almost six months from the date of HSMP letter).

On that, does anybody have a clear idea? Would be much appreciated!

I have attached below the correspondence from WPUK just in case anybody is interested in the exact wording of their advice.

Cheers

Buchik


PS. I think WPUK personnel may be a bit confused because under the old regime Australian passport holders did not need EC to enter UK and it stands to reason that the only documented date that could be taken into account for establishing the start of the first year was the date of the HSMP letter.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dear Mr X

It is 12 months from the date of issue from work permits UK.

Yours sincerely


Customer Relations
Work Permits UK
0114 259 4074


> -----Original Message-----
> From: [SMTP:buchik]
> Sent: 2004 3:13 PM
> To: WPCustomers
> Subject: Re: HSMP clearance - advice thought
>
> Dear Z
>
> Thank you very much for your reply and clarifications. I now have clear
> understanding of the issue. The only point where I am still somewhat
> confused is this:
>
> does "HSMP permission" as per your message below mean 12 months from the
> date of the entry clearance letter from Work Permits UK OR does it in fact
> mean the 12 month period specified in the entry clearance (visa stamp)?
>
> Kind regards
>
> X
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "WPCustomers" <wpcustomers@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk>
> To: <buchik>
> Sent: 2004 5:37 PM
> Subject: RE: HSMP clearance - advice thought
>
>
> > Dear X
> > Thank you for your email.
> >
> > HSMP permission is valid for an initial 12-month period from the date of
> > issue (not the date of entry to the UK). Once the HSMP permission has
> been
> > granted applicants can enter the UK anytime during the period for which
> the
> > permission is valid (having obtained their entry clearance). It should
> be
> > noted that entry clearance letters are only valid for 3 months and
> > applications for entry clearance must normally be lodged within three
> months
> > of gaining HSMP approval.
> >
> > HSMP permission is initially valid for a 12 months period from the date
> of
> > issue and not the date of entry to the UK. Please contact your Entry
> > Clearance Officer at your nearest British Embassy for further advice on
> any
> > aspects of entry clearance requirements.
> >
> > In the last month before the end of your initial 12 month period under
> HSMP,
> > you may, if you wish, apply for further permission to stay for a further
> 3
> > years. You will be asked to provide evidence of your economic activity
> > during your period of stay in the UK and evidence of your personal
> earnings
> > during the period.
> >
> > I must stress, however, that the final decision on whether or not you
> would
> > be granted an extension rests with the HSMP case work teams, who will
> take
> > into account all the evidence supplied when your application for
> extension
> > is received. I am, therefore unable to pre-assess this in any way.
> >
> > I hope this is helpful.
> >
> > Work Permits (UK),
> > Customer Relations Team
> >

[raoms]

I agree that many of their replies are confusing ...

Code: Select all

a) the "Valid From" date in the EC sticker, or 

this option is correct

[bkhan]

In my opinion WPUK is correct. The HSMP starts from the date on the WPUK letter. They are not responsible if we or the consulate are/is slow in getting/granting an EC.

[Ajay Kumar Singh]

Guys don't start this confusing topic again. We already closed this topic and the truth is:

The Start date is the Start Date stamped in your EC.

The start date and the End date is Stamped in ur EC. That's all. If you are in confusion look into ur EC.

And it has nothing to do with the HSMP Approval date or other dates.

So requesting you to stop making confusing statements.

Tx

[Cosmopol]

We'll just lock it for now... Hope that's fine