Closure of HSMP & other work-based categories - Immigration Lawyers - Cole & Yousaf Solicitors

On Monday 30 June 2008 the Home Office will fully implement Tier 1 of their new points based system. On that date the Home Office will complete the roll-out of Tier 1 (General) worldwide and introduce the Entrepreneur, Investor and Post Study Work categories. Tier 1 replaces eight former immigration categories:

The categories that will close are:

• the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP);
• business people;
• writers, composers and artists;
• Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme;
• International Graduates Scheme;
• innovators;
• investors;
• self-employed lawyers.

Any applications made under these categories on or after the 30 June 2008 will be returned to the applicant and will be considered as invalid.

Anyone currently in the United Kingdom under one of these categories who wishes to extend their leave will need to apply under the appropriate Tier 1 category when their existing permission to stay ends.

Tier 1 of the points-based system covers highly skilled migrants. The tier will consist of four sub-categories:

• Tier 1 (General);
• Tier 1 (Investors);
• Tier 1 (Entrepreneurs);
• Tier 1 (Post Study Work).