Urgent - Business Visa after HSMP

Hi,

I have a situation where I need advise:

I have a HSMP valid till Fed 2010, but I am out of UK since Sept 2008. My Query is:

1. Is my HSMP still valid? I have heard it becomes invalid after 3 months of outside UK stay

2. I am working for an Indian co. which now wants me to send to UK for 2 weeks on a business visit. Can I get a business Visa despite having the HSMP stamped and its expiry date still valid?

Thanks

1. Is my HSMP still valid? I have heard it becomes invalid after 3 months of outside UK stay

NO, it will be valid till last date of the validity... 3months thing may be regarding ILR..

2. I am working for an Indian co. which now wants me to send to UK for 2 weeks on a business visit. Can I get a business Visa despite having the HSMP stamped and its expiry date still valid?

YES, you can get a Business visa but u need to check if the current HSMP visa gets overwritten with the new Business visa?? i think u can travel with ur old HSMP visa if ur company is ok with it..
pls check or wait for seniors to confirm..

k_prem wrote:Hi,

I have a situation where I need advise:

I have a HSMP valid till Fed 2010, but I am out of UK since Sept 2008. My Query is:

1. Is my HSMP still valid? I have heard it becomes invalid after 3 months of outside UK stay

2. I am working for an Indian co. which now wants me to send to UK for 2 weeks on a business visit. Can I get a business Visa despite having the HSMP stamped and its expiry date still valid?

Thanks

Your HSMP Visa is definitely valid till Feb 2010.

I think BUsiness Visa overwrites your HSMP. You might want to check with the home office.

Thanks for the replies.

My further concerns are:

1. Can I be refused Business Visa.

2. If I travel on HSMP, then can there be a problem at port of entry because I am employed in UK.

Thanks

1. NO.

2. NO

Thanks for the quick reply.

There was a typo in my last post in point no. 2:

2. If I travel on HSMP, then can there be a problem at port of entry because I am NOT employed in UK.

k_prem wrote:Thanks for the quick reply.

There was a typo in my last post in point no. 2:

2. If I travel on HSMP, then can there be a problem at port of entry because I am NOT employed in UK.

Nope. You will be fine as you have valid visa.