The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (the HSMP) was a points based system to grant a non EU national a work permit . The HSMP now falls into Tier 1 of the new points based system. An applicant will receive points for the following:

• Age
• Earnings in previous job
• Qualifications
• Previous experience

A minimum of 75 points is required, with, for example, a PHD being worth 50 points.

Additionally an applicant needs to be awarded at least 10 points in the following:

• English test score
• Available funds for maintenance.

Eligibility details are here