6 months to apply for visa after HSMP approval.

[scoobydoo]

I have been approved under the HSMP.

Now I need to apply for a visa, but the wording
is somewhat ambiguous.

Do I need to APPLY for my visa within 6 months which means
my visa may start a further 3 months later (even after the letters 6 months)
-OR-
Do I need to apply for a visa which STARTS within the 6 months.

I have emailed the HSMP team, and they cannot clarify the wording.

I have attached an image of a timeline below which clearly shows
what I mean by APPLY within the 6 months and the VISA starts
3 months later (and outside the 6 months of the letter)

Has anyone had experience with this ? APPLY or START within 6 months ?

[push]

You have to apply for FLR(if you are in UK and eligible to switch to HSMP VISA from your existing VISA category) or for Entry Clearance from your country of residence, within a period of 6 months from the date of issue of the HSMP approval letter. So effectively, if your application for FLR/EC reaches the concerned agancy in the last week of the said 6 month period and if it takes them 3 months (usually it is 4 weeks max) to approve FLR/EC your HSMP VISA will start from the day it is approved i.e. 3 months after the 6 month period.

Your interpretation of the timelines, as shown in the illustration is correct. But remember one thing, in a number of cases in India, some applicants were refused a post dated EC(VISA) - they were given a VISA starting from the day it was approved.

My advice: Dont take chances, apply as soon as possible; You will become eligible for working in UK only after your FLR/EC is approved, unless ofcourse you are on a work permit already.

regards,

push_hsmp
PS: I dont know if you are in a special situation wherein you want the EC/FLR approved as late as possible

[scoobydoo]

Thanks. You're a champ.

I want to follow the timeline approx as shown as I plan
to enter the UK in Jan 2008. I am applying from Australia.