HSMP -> Tier1 (General) -> Second Visa Extension: Fees

[BN80]

Hi,

I arrived in UK on HSMP Entry Clearance (first I applied for HSMP Approval Letter followed by visa stamping called Entry Clearance).

When I did my first visa extension, HSMP got converted into Tier1 General visa.

Due to a gap of few months, I need to go for another visa extension before I apply for PR.

And I am not sure which fees I need to pay for visa extension as rule is unclear.

It says 'Tier 1 (General) application fees for applicants who are currently in the UK under the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme' - 'Applicants and their dependants can pay the following reduced fees if they submit a valid Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) letter with their application.'

This rule doesn't clarify if,
1) This reduced fee is applicable for second extension or not?
2) How do they justify people who are in UK on HSMP as HSMP got closed in 2008.

HSMP letter doesn't have any validity/expiry date on it but is valid for 6 months from date of approval and this is to obtain your Entry Clearance, fact that I've valid HSMP letter still remains the same.

Can someone throw some light on above two statement from UKBA website?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
BN80

[geriatrix]

Validity of HSMP approval letter

[BN80]

Yes, I read this reply before but doesn't clarify the question.

If it is dependant on HSMP Letter Validity (which you say is 6 months from the date of approval) then why should they use reduced fees for HSMP visa holders in 2012 as HSMP was closed in 2008?

[geriatrix]

No one but UKBA can answer the question - "why is the form content drafted the way it is" and "what is the justification".

If you wanted to know the fees you need to pay, you already have the answer.
FYI - The "real" HSMP migrants (covered by HSMP JRs) also pay the same fees for their extension as Tier 1 (General) migrants.