HSMP Extension

[fads22]

Dear All,

I got my HSMP visa in March this year but was unable to go there due to ongoing project at current job. Now if I start a new job in UK in January 2005, what are the possibilities of getting an extension in March 2005? Although I have visited UK many times after the issuance of my visa.

Thanks,

[MWazir]

Thats quite a tricky situation because they expect you to stay and work in the UK after recieving your visa, which has not happened in your case.

In order to get your extension, you will need to convince them that you intend to continue working in the U.K after your extension is granted and you were delayed in doing so because of commitments with your current job.

Also, do you already have a job offer to start in January? If you intend to come here and then look for a job, then you might not have much time as you will be applying for your extension 4 weeks before its expiry i.e some time in Feb.

Prepare a covering letter explaining your circumstances. Have a healthy bank balance at the time of applying.

Good luck!

[f2k]

just a quick question there. did you apply for entry clearance yet and if so what is the date on it.

[fads22]

yes i got entry clearence on 15th March 2004.
I already got my new job contract which is starting from January 2005.
My concern is that will I be able to get extension in March 2005 or do i have to re-apply for HSMP again?
If yes the how long will that take considering the fact that my case was approved origionally.

Thanks,

[MWazir]

I would not recommend reapplying for HSMP again. Your application will be treated as new and the fact that you held HSMP before would be irrelevant to your new application. These days there are huge backlogs and its taking over 6 months to process new HSMP applications.

Your best choices would be
a) to secure an HSMP extension. It is difficult in your case, but the onus to prove that you are here for good is up to you and you alone. Make sure you have documented your circumstances well. Is your employment contract long term? IMHO that might help too.
b) to ask your company to file for a work permit and then apply for FLR on that basis

[OFCHARITY]

I don't think it will be a problem if you will actually be starting a job in January. Please see the reply I received from HO regarding a similar situation.


XXXXX, everything should be OK providing you are in the UK and
"economically active" when you apply for further leave to remain.
download
the form FLR (IED) to see how to apply and what is required at that
time.

The only implication should be that time outside the UK does not count
towards the 4 continuous years required for residency (idefinite leave
to
remain).

HSMP TEAM

> -----Original Message-----
> From: XXXXXX
> Sent: 19 October 2004 17:00
> To: hsmp.workpermits@ind.homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
> Subject: absence within first year of HSMP visa, impact on renewal
>
> Hello
>
> My HSMP visa is valid form Apr 2004 to Apr 2005, I entered the UK
for two
> weeks in May and then due to some unforseen family circumstances I
> returned to my home country and have not returned to the UK since. I
am
> hoping to return to the UK in November 2004 to take up a job
oppurtunity,
> but I was wondering if the fact that I have been outside of the UK
for
> more than 3 months will affect my ability to get a renewal of my HSMP
visa
> next April.
>
> Thank you
>

[try-one]

It's always good to see the info from the HO....

[fads22]

Hi OFCHARITY,

Thanks a lot for the information.........its really helpful.