UK News

The UK government has announced that updated versions of the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) application forms will be available from 12 April 2005, to include information on the new MBA Provision within HSMP. Both forms for those over and under age 28 have been updated.

Anyone completing an HSMP application from 12 April 2005 should use this latest version. Work Permits (UK) will however continue to accept the previous version of these forms until 31 May 2005, as long as the application is not being submitted for consideration under the new MBA Provision within HSMP. After 1 June 2005, the newer forms must be used.

The new MBA provision was announced in Dec. 2004, and allows graduates of 50 business schools to work in the UK for up to one year through the HSMP. Students who have graduated from one of the 50 eligible MBA programmes, while that MBA is on the list, are eligible to apply for the MBA Provision. The requirements of the regular HSMP will also have to be met. However, those who have an MBA from an eligible school will be awarded 65 points.

It is important to note that you must graduate from an MBA programme when it is on the list. This means that those who have graduated from an MBA programme before 2 December 2004, when the list was released, are not eligible. However, if you have graduated from a top MBA, you may qualify under the regular HSMP, and can find out your chances on our HSMP calculator page. Those who have not yet graduated may submit an official letter from their tutor.

Like other HSMP participants, those in the UK under the MBA provision may apply for a three-year extension. At the end of the extension, they may apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residence).

Like other HSMP applicants, students who apply under the MBA provision will need to demonstrate that they intend to continue their chosen career in the UK. They will also have to show that they intend to make the UK their main home, and that they can support themselves and any dependants without public funds.

Students who have not yet graduated from their MBA programme must submit a letter from their personal tutor at the eligible school. Students who have studied at the eligible institution, but who have done coursework other than MBA, are not eligible. Students who are already in the UK may apply.