The changes to the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme from Nov 2006 have affected HSMP extensions too. Previously, an applicant had to show that they took every effort to become economically active in the UK during their initial stay under HSMP. With the HSMP changes of 7 November 2006, applicants must re-qualify under the revised points based system with 75 points and be able to pass an English Language test.
Please, click here to estimate your application strength.

The points based system for HSMP extensions has some differences from the points based system for initial applicants. The main differences for people requesting an extension, rather than an initial application, are in Earning Power, Age Assessment, and the ability to claim UK Experience.

• Earning Power depends on how long your previous HSMP visa was granted, rather than the country you were a national of before your initial HSMP application. If your initial HSMP visa was granted for more than 12 months, then your past gross earnings before tax are based on a continuous 12 month period during the 15 months immediately prior to submission for extension. If your initial HSMP visa was for a period less than 12 months, then your previous earnings are for a continuous 8 month period within the 12 months immediately prior to submission for extension.

• Those applying for an extension get a two-year ceiling added to the Age criteria to get the same amount of points as initial applicants.

• HSMP Extension applicants can claim points for UK Experience under the following conditions: If the applicant's previous HSMP visa was for more than 12 months and they earned at least £16,000 from the Earning Power category or If the applicant's previous HSMP visa was for less than 12 months and they earned at least £10,650 from the Earning Power category.

It is important to prepare the HSMP extension two months before the expiration date.