HSMP Valid till July, bit of confusion

Hi,
I have a HSMP valid till mid July 08. Now I am about to apply for an extenstion, as I understand I need to apply for a new Tier 1 visa under the new rule ?

I am getting confused with "Switching" and "extending".
I think it is simply applying for a new Tier 1 visa. ???

Please guide.

do I need to use the application form -> Form for extension application under HSMP ?
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/worki ... ationhsmp/

Many Thanks,
SP

If you have a valid HSMP approval in hand and applying for EC from India or applying within UK for initial leave to remain under Tier 1, or, if you are making a fresh Tier 1 application to switch from any other visa category (e.g.- WP) from within UK,
then you will be swtiching to Tier 1.

If are in UK and you have existing leave to remain under HSMP which is nearing expiry, then you will be extending your leave to remain under Tier 1.

Hope this clarifies and makes it easier for you to figure out which category you belong to.

regards