HSMP with criminal conviction -- Issue resolved!

[niw2]

Over the past six months I have opened a few discussions querying how criminal convictions affect HSMP applications. I have now raised the matter directly with the BIA and can confirm that an applicant's criminal convictions are not considered at the HSMP stage. The HSMP assessment is based purely on the point-scoring areas set out in the guidance notes.

The fact that convictions are not considered at the HSMP stage is relevant because it means that an applicant can apply for HSMP even if the official rehabilitation period (eg. 5 years for minor offences) has not passed.

Note that convictions remain relevant at the entry clearance stage, however. An applicant would be wise to apply for entry clearance only if the rehabilitation period applicable ot his or her offence has passed.