HSMP Application Process

[ckarscig]

I am a US Citizen over 28 years old applying for the HSMP from the US. While I have read the application and guideline documents, I am still confused as to the documents I must submit along with my application:

1) I cannot get points for my income level, must I supply any pay stubs? Do I need to complete this area of the application?

2) Must I send my passport along with my application?

3) Should bank records be sent with my application?

4) I have 10+ years experience. I am having a difficult time getting employment verification letters from companies that I worked for 8-10 years ago. Is this a problem?

I welcome your expertise and any advice you might have. I am barely at 65 points, but feel confident I can successfully work in the UK. This whole process is quite daunting and I want to ensure I do everything possible for it to be a success. I look forward to hearing from you.

[bugmaster]

Hi, here're my answers:

1) I cannot get points for my income level, must I supply any pay stubs? Do I need to complete this area of the application?

Some say it might be useful. If you're close to the range it might prove some senior level experience you might have although bellow the required amount.

2) Must I send my passport along with my application?

If applying from UK - Yes, if outside - No.

3) Should bank records be sent with my application?

In case you wish to prove income level these may serve as one of the evidence documents. Otherwise the same as for 1) may be valid.


4) I have 10+ years experience. I am having a difficult time getting employment verification letters from companies that I worked for 8-10 years ago. Is this a problem?

You will need to collect references from your emplloyers. This is the way to prove your experience. Alternatively you might supply a document (contracts or some social security or other) which details that you really have the experience and in fact it is a graduate/senior one.

Cheers

[Joseph]

ckarscig

1) Although you are not scoring points on your income, the paystubs may be helpful in proving that you worked, particularly if you are having trouble getting verification letters.

2) Bugmaster is right. You don't need to send your passport for your out of UK application. Only people already in the UK would send their passports.

3) Yes you should send your original bank statements. HSMP return all originals.

4) You don't necessarily need verification letters if you can supply pay stubs, W2s, tax returns etc. Generally they just need two forms of evidence for each job. I found the US Social Security Statement of Earnings (which is supposed to come out every year) a very helpful official document in proving earnings and employment over time. Of course, if you are trying to claim points for senior management positions, you do need reference letters.

Joseph

[ckarscig]

Thank you both Bugmaster and Joseph for your advice. A few more questions arose from your responses:

1) Regarding evidence of employment, must two forms of evidence be supplied to prove each employer? I thought just one reference would suffice.

2) Is the US Social Security Verification of Earnings Joseph mentioned available even for jobs worked 10 years ago?

3) Can I include for points in my experience jobs I did not receive income for (i.e. internships) used to obtain experience only?

4) Are the original bank records only necessary for verifying income? I actually do not make the 40 pounds required for points. I would prefer to not disclose this. Or are the bank records used to prove you have the savings necessary to move there? May I include Stock/Mutual Fund bank statements, as well?

5) How long does it typically take to have the HSMP approved? Is it difficult? I am worried. Thanks!

[Joseph]

ckarscig

If you are just going to count work experience, you're right, one form of evidence is enough:

8.2.4 The type of evidence required to demonstrate work experience is:
• Employer references on their letter headed paper, clearly showing the start and end dates of each position held
during the employment, job title and a description of duties and responsibilities held.

But, since you said you couldn't provide this for all 10 years, I thought other forms of evidence such as paystubs could be helpful. But if you are just trying to get points for experience, then the above is what they want.

2) The Social Security earnings statement shows your W2 earnings on a yearly basis, provided you paid US income and FICA tax. I thought everybody gets one automatically from Social Security now.

3) No, you are not likely to get points on non-income training jobs.

4) Bank statements could verify income, but in your case they would show your funds available. Definitely include Stock/Mutual Fund bank statements as well.

Note that if you don't show your income, it may be difficult to prove that your jobs were "senior level." If you are in a profession (i.e. academia) that doesn't pay high salaries, that shouldn't be a problem even if your salary is below £40K. If you are a NY investment banker, there would be a problem! Since you are claiming 10 years of senior level experience they may ask to see earnings evidence not only to show your seniority but also the continuity of your employment. That's why I suggested the Social Security Statement of Earnings. I'm just trying to anticipate potential problems here.

Joseph

[ckarscig]

Thank you Joseph. Your information is greatly appreciated. This process is quite daunting.

I am requesting the Social Security report you recommended in case the old employer references do not come through.

As for salary, I unfortunately make only average income for a US female. Unfortunately, it's not quite near 40,000 pounds (which equates 80,000 US dollars). I am not in academia, but retail marketing. Most of my job titles include the words "specialist" or "senior," so I am hoping I will still qualify for the HSMP program. I feel that even though my salary is not the highest, my experience is valuable and I am confident my skills are well sought after in the UK. I have received emails from recruiters saying that if only I were eligible to work there I could be easily placed in a position. I was thinking of also including such responses with my application.

One last question - while in college I did receive scholarships and had articles printed. These were not at the graduate level, so would they qualify for the noted works points section (which does mention printed works and scholarships)?

Thanks again for all your help and the confidence you have given me.

[Dip]

One last question - while in college I did receive scholarships and had articles printed. These were not at the graduate level, so would they qualify for the noted works points section (which does mention printed works and scholarships)?

You wouldnt know unless you tried. I suggest you claim all the points you can. You never know if you need them. Ensure all supportings are attached for your claims.

Rgds
Dip