I think it will be better to have a separate thread for all those who are due or undergoing application for extending their HSMP (and switching ) to Tier 1(general).
I am due for extension for my LTR (after 2 years of HSMP)in the middle of may 2008 and in the mean time there is all this change in visa.Lets discuss the implications of the change and what modification we need to do for the application.
cheers
