Time limit to enter UK after HSMP VISA

[zubairi]

Dear members
After issusance of HSMP visa, what is the time limit to enter the UK. The guy at embassy told this is 28 days after visa issuance............. what i had learned before was 3 months.

28 days is too tough...can someone give me specific official reference for such time limit

Regards

[LUCKy]

Yes it is 3 months. You can visit Frequently asked questions at www.workingintheuk.gov.uk

[farazfastian]

3 months to get visa stamped and after visa thats it ur counter started.. its upto u when u wana go.

[LUCKy]

Dear Faraz

Now you have 6 months to lodge an entry clearance application from the date of approval letter. A member of this forum(alisondc) has confirmed that he got approval letter stating 6 months time period for entry clearance.See all posts by alisondc. You can also see new guidance notes. As HSMP Visa Holder is not allowed to live outside the uk for more than a continuous period of 3 months so u have three months to enter to uk from starting date of ur visa. However moderator can clarify the situation.

[Smit]

There appears to be an awful lot of confusion about this.

There is no time limit on when to enter the UK after issuance of your Entry Clearance, you can choose not to go to the UK at all. The only issues that will arise are when you apply for further leave to remain in the UK.

Also, you can stay out of the UK for as long as you wish, but this period outside will obviously affect any future leave to remain applications (FLR, ILR).

Smit

[farazfastian]

Yes smit is abs correct, entering uk is not an issue, the problem is FLR and ILR, this will hurt u so i feel think deep before you r gona apply for visa, and you are rite its 6 months but it depends they r not giving this period to all still guys receiving 3 months to apply for visa, like i got 3 months and i cant go early so i waited 2 months before visa application plus i'll request for 1 month post date visa in this way i'll manage 3 months late entry to uk without affecting my FLR and ILR though post date visa is not guaranteed.

regards
faraz

[zubairi]

Thanks to all for discussion.

Current HSMP FAQ at workingintheuk.gov.uk website says this.
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"19) How long have I got, after a successful application decision, to enter the UK?

You must apply for entry clearance at a British Embassy within your own country and within 6 months from the date of your approval letter."
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The above FAQ is quite confusing as it asks about the time limit to enter the UK but replies only about the 'time limit to apply for entry clearance'.

My HSMP approval letter did say that 'you have to apply within three months for visa' but it does not talk about the deadline to enter in UK.