5 points: UK Experience - Discrepancy between HSMP and FLR

[edurveda]

Hello All

I have recently completed my PhD in the UK and I am planning to apply for my HSMP. I am currently on a student visa.

I claim points under the following categories:

PhD - 50
Age - 20
UK Experience - 5

Total = 75

I do not have any work experience, or MBA, and do not get any additional points under other sections.

I thought all would be fine since I just made it to the 75 points barrier. However, I read through the HSMP FLR guidance notes today, and saw a disturbing discrepancy:

In the actual HSMP application, UK experience includes studying in the UK, and I am claiming 5 points under this section.

However, in the HSMP FLR application form and guidance notes, I note that 5 points can be gained for UK experience ONLY for earnings in the UK. There is no mention of 5 points for UK education.

Does this mean that I will get my HSMP approval, but may end up failing my FLR. Others in a similar position / knowledgeable gurus / Admins please help me out and advise.

I had previously sought consultation with an OISC lawyer, who did not raise this point at all. I am planning to call the HSMP helpline number first thing tomorrow morning, but dont have hopes of them actually providing clear advice on this issue.

Do you thing applying under the IGS scheme first and then converting to HSMP is a safer route?

Thanks in advance to everyone.

Cheers
Sagar

[suresh-hsmp]

Hi,
As you know HSMP is two stage process. For the first time applicants, getting HSMP approval is enough to score points. The FLR stage is just to get a visa on passport. All the scoring sections are not applicable for you, it is for extension applicants and is clearly mentioned in the guidance notes.

In summary you wil not get assesed for points at FLR stage and if you get approval from HSMP i can say you almost did it unless you have some serious convictions.

Thanks

Suresh

[edurveda]

Hi,
As you know HSMP is two stage process. For the first time applicants, getting HSMP approval is enough to score points. The FLR stage is just to get a visa on passport. All the scoring sections are not applicable for you, it is for extension applicants and is clearly mentioned in the guidance notes.

In summary you wil not get assesed for points at FLR stage and if you get approval from HSMP i can say you almost did it unless you have some serious convictions.

Thanks

Suresh

Hi Suresh

Many, many thanks for your lightning quick reply. It is apparent that I have not read the title of section 7 properly in the HSMP form :

"Section 7: Points Scoring Assessment (Only complete this section if you are already in the UK as an HSMP participant and are seeking to extend your leave within this category) "

I got real panicky for a few minutes (particularly because I already got an excellent job offer on the condition that I get my HSMP sorted out quickly)!!! Thanks to you my BP is settling down a bit .

With respect to serious convictions - None whatsoever - Infact I've helped catch some crooks - Had quiet a bit of an adventure

On a separate note, a few further questions:

1. Mine is an open shut case - I dont see any compelling reasons to go through a lawyer - do you?

2. For HSMP FLR, will I be asked to supply my housing contract - based on your past experiences ?

3. I plan to seek Urgent Treatment request - do I need to provide some proof such as job offer letter - or is it enough if I just fill the form without supporting documentation.

Many thanks again for your valuable advice, time and support.

Cheers
Sagar

[suresh-hsmp]

Hi Sagar,
Yes u r right, it s a little bit confusing when you first read the form.

1. Dont go with any lawyer, it is waste of money. In your case everything is crystal claer and no hassale of previous earnings --where most people had troubles to convince H.O including myself

2. Its not compulsary to submit your tenancy agreement though it helps. please show enough funds on your bank account.

3.you need not provide any proofs for Urgent treatment form, just put the earliest date that you due to take up your post. I did it few days back and it worked perfectly well with me. I got approval in a total of 5 days after i sent my application. Infact it took 2 working days after i sent my Urgeent form.

see my post:


http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... 40273deb9d

All the best

Suresh