Early HSMP extension or switching to Tier 1

[ns7]

Hi,
I am in the UK on HSMP since May 2007 (I got HSMP approval in Nov 2006 and EC in Feb 2007).
I assume that I can apply for extension in Jan 2009 as my EC would be expiring in Feb 2009. But I think it would be very tense to do that at the last moment and I want to apply earlier. So I have following questions:

Can I apply for extension earlier thant Jan 2009 e.g. in October 2008?
Can I apply under Tier 1 (switching from HSMP to Tier 1) now?

Thanks & Regards,
ns7

[HSMPGUY]

I m in same boat as well. My current leave in ending up around Dec , 2008. And my approval letter is based on rules before Nov 07, 2006. In which high court also gave the rulling.
Can someone please give me list of documents are required to support Extention application.

Thanks,

[hsmpinuk70]

http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewtopic.php?t=27182

Hi,
I am in the UK on HSMP since May 2007 (I got HSMP approval in Nov 2006 and EC in Feb 2007).
I assume that I can apply for extension in Jan 2009 as my EC would be expiring in Feb 2009. But I think it would be very tense to do that at the last moment and I want to apply earlier. So I have following questions:

Can I apply for extension earlier thant Jan 2009 e.g. in October 2008?
Can I apply under Tier 1 (switching from HSMP to Tier 1) now?

Thanks & Regards,
ns7

[ns7]

hsmpinuk70, thanks for your link but my second question is still unanswered.

Can I apply under Tier 1 (switching from HSMP to Tier 1) now?

Regards,
ns7

[hsmpinuk70]

You are on HSMP and you can apply for extension only through the Tier 1 route. So, to be honest, I couldn't figure out the difference between q1 and q2.

Let's see, if you are asking whether you can make a fresh Tier 1 application (initial entry), then my answer would be NO since there is hardly any difference between the two schemes. So why would BIA allow you to shfit from one to the other? And more importantly, why would YOU want to do that??

Just to clarify my earlier post - It means that you should not apply before 28 days of your current leave expiring / ending. Hope this one will provide a clearer answer for you:
http://www.immigrationboards.com/viewto ... ht=#165057. No strict laws though ! So if you have 750 pounds extra that you might not mind losing to BIA, give it a try.

regards

[ns7]

hsmpinuk70, I just want to have peace of mind because who knows about the future changes .

In the second question I asked about the fresh application (through switching). I asked that because of the following text which I found in the pdf document (page 7) opened through link 'Tier 1 (General) of the points-based system - policy guidance' (http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/worki ... /applying/):

TIER 1 (GENERAL) OVERVIEW OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Overview of Terms and Conditions
39. The following table explains some of the key features of the Tier 1 (General) route. Please refer to paragraphs 245C of the Immigration Rules.
...
Switching into the Tier 1 (General) route
Switching is permitted from applicants who currently hold leave as:
• as a Highly Skilled Migrant,
• as a Tier 1 (General) Migrant,
• as an Innovator,
• as a Participant in the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland Scheme,
• as a Participant in the International Graduates Scheme (or its predecessor, the Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme),
• as a Postgraduate Doctor or Dentist,
• as a Student,
• as a Student Nurse,
• as a Student Re-Sitting an Examination,
• as a Student Writing-Up a Thesis, or
• as a Work Permit Holder.
...Tier 1 (General) page 7 of 25)

Any thoughts?
Regards,
ns7

[push]

hsmpinuk70, I just want to have peace of mind because who knows about the future changes .

ns7

ns7, in that case do you know about the future "future" changes? Nobody knows as to what will happen Tier-I also. The way things are in UK especially regarding immigration policy, I dont think moving to Tier-1 early would provide any kind of credible hedge against possible future changes, unfortunately.


regards,

push_hsmp

[hsmp2tier]

Hi Everyone!!!

I m new to this forum and this is my first post... I have gone through the links and did some home-work... I think I m in the same boat as U all... The only difference here is that my HSMP extn is due in the 1st week of Jan... Now do you still recommend me to apply 5 weeks prior to the expiration date or shall I go for 6-7 weeks as there will be lot many holidays in dec and early jan...

Appreciate ur candid feedback!

Thanks

[push]

Hi Everyone!!!

I m new to this forum and this is my first post... I have gone through the links and did some home-work... I think I m in the same boat as U all... The only difference here is that my HSMP extn is due in the 1st week of Jan... Now do you still recommend me to apply 5 weeks prior to the expiration date or shall I go for 6-7 weeks as there will be lot many holidays in dec and early jan...

Appreciate ur candid feedback!

Thanks

There is no harm in applying early if you are really worried. Although as long as your application is with HO your current leave will remain valid.