Do I need to be employed at the time of Application?

Hello

I am an Indian IT architect/developer. I was working in China for the last 12 months. My income was well over the threshold required to obtain maximum points for China (class C country). However, I have left my current job and now on an extended vacation in Thailand with no real desire to find a job immediately. I would like to apply for the HSMP visa. Do I really need to find a job/be employed for HSMP application/approval. I can obtain all the necessary documents to prove my income for the last 12 months (tax returns + letter from previous employer)

Will it have any impact over the EC? I have sufficient funds to support myself during the initial job search period

Any help/advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance

It is not necessary for one to be employed at the moment of applying for HSMP. Infact it is not really necessary for even HSMP extension

all you require is to gain 75 points and passing english requirement and having proper evidence for all

For getting EC / Leave to remain you need to show necessary funds & accomodation arrangement to proove that you can maintain yourself

Thats enough