Process for new HSMP Application

[vijaykrishna2005]

Hello,

First of all i would like to appreciate every one on this site to share their experiences which are really helpful. Well, i have few things which i need to clarify.

1) Currently i am in USA and working in an IT company from December 2008 to till date. I will finish my continuous job period for 12 months by December 2009. I just want to know, do we need to consult any UK immigration consultancy to apply for HSMP or can we apply our selves? And which one is preferable?

2) I am planning to visit India in the month of January 2010 and planning to apply for HSMP. Is it preferable to apply from US or India??

3) What is Entry for Clearance (EC)?

Please advice.

[cheshiregoan]

1) Currently i am in USA and working in an IT company from December 2008 to till date. I will finish my continuous job period for 12 months by December 2009. I just want to know, do we need to consult any UK immigration consultancy to apply for HSMP or can we apply our selves? And which one is preferable?

It is now called the Tier 1 (General). If you have all the documents needed to apply for the Tier 1, you don't have to go through an immigration consultant because they will not do anything additional that you cannot do yourself.

2) I am planning to visit India in the month of January 2010 and planning to apply for HSMP. Is it preferable to apply from US or India??

Are you getting paid your monthly salary in USA or India? It is better to apply in the country where you get paid your salary because it makes it lot easier for the Home Office to verify your documents.

3) What is Entry for Clearance (EC)?.

Entry Clearance is the term the Home Office uses to describe the visa that is stamped on your passport.