Should apply for EC from motherland

[mohanksamy]

Hi All,
I have got HSMP approval with me and yet to apply for EC. Can I apply for EC from outside India (out of motherland)?

Please can some expert help me out on this at the earliest.

My employer is ready to send me to Singapore for an assignment; most likely a long term. How shall I handle such situation? any help or suggestions

[vinny]

Paragraph 28 of the Immigration Rules states that:
'An applicant for an entry clearance must be outside the United Kingdom and Islands at the time of the application. An applicant for an entry clearance who is seeking entry as a visitor must apply to a post designated by the Secretary of State to accept applications for entry clearance for that purpose and from that category of applicant. Any other application must be made to the post in the country or territory where the applicant is living which has been designated by the Secretary of State to accept applications for entry clearance for that purpose and from that category of applicant. Where there is no such post the applicant must apply to the appropriate designated post outside the country or territory where he/she is living'.

[quote="7.2. Definition of "living""]There is no precise definition of the word "living" as contained in the Immigration Rules but the relevant rule has been so worded to allow posts to operate with a degree of flexibility, discretion and common sense. In general terms 'country or territory where the applicant is living' refers to the place where a person is present in any capacity other than as a short-term visitor and has permission from the relevant authorities to be so.
In dealing with enquiries, caseworkers should refer potential applicants to the wording of the Immigration Rules (Paragraph 28) and may also suggest that British Missions abroad be contacted directly to ascertain whether an application would be accepted there.[/quote]

If you hold a valid approval letter from Work Permits UK in Sheffield, you should still apply for entry clearance under Tier 1 (General) Migrant. You will only need to satisfy the requirement for maintenance, complete only that part of the Appendix 1 and pay a lower fee.

If you have already got an HSMP approval letter, but have not applied for permission to enter or stay as a Highly Skilled Migrant, you will automatically score points for your attributes and for English language because you have an HSMP approval letter.

You must fill in all other appropriate sections of the relevant application form, including the maintenance (funds) section.

You will be charged a reduced fee for your application under the highly skilled worker category.

HSMP approval letters are valid for a period of six months from the date of issue.