HSMP extension

Hi,
I am on HSMP visa granted in March 2007 initially for 5 yrs. It is due to expire in March 2012. But i was out of the country for 20 months for compelling personal reasons. Now can somebody advice me whether i will be able to extend my visa after march 2012 under the prevailing rules(now that Tier 1 general is being closed in April 2011) in order to become eligible for permanent settlement?

asharaja wrote:Hi,
I am on HSMP visa granted in March 2007 initially for 5 yrs. It is due to expire in March 2012. But i was out of the country for 20 months for compelling personal reasons. Now can somebody advice me whether i will be able to extend my visa after march 2012 under the prevailing rules(now that Tier 1 general is being closed in April 2011) in order to become eligible for permanent settlement?

Yes, subject to changes the government proposes to implement regarding immigration rules for leave to remain (extension) as Tier 1 (General) migrant.

See also Transitional arrangements for existing Tier 1 (General).

You have an year to go before your current leave expires. Within the next month, exact details of the changes will be clearly known, so relax and wait for details to be announced.


regards

Many thanks ofr the reply