is HSMP just for IT/engineers/doctors?

[gulgon]

Dear Friends,

1) Could you please comment if I really qualify for HSMP (I did points calculator and yes I do it changes when it comes to reality)

2004 Spring : Traineeship at the European Commission, Brussels,4 months
2003-2004 : MA in European Studies & Politics, Liverpool JM Univ.
2000-2003 : "EU (European Union) Specialist" in a Turkish governmental agency (mainly working on EU, Int. Orgs., bilateral relations), Turkey
1999-2000 : Research Assistant at the department of politics, Turkey
1998-1999 : Assistant Tax Auditor at Arthur Andersen Cons. Turkey

Does it sound satisfactory for hsmp?? I really wonder if ppl like me, having social science background, qualify!??

Besides, I expect my job (EU Specialist) to be taken as a graduate level and specialist level. Since my Director General signed an official letter stating the duties of my job and added the comment that it is a specialist and graduate level job.

2) And lastly, if I apply outside UK, I dont need to attach my passport right? Indeed I have a student visa expiring july 2005, but if I come to the UK and I can only stay 1-2 months and I am afraid of a delay and cant leave the UK... Which one would be better I am confused..

Thanks a lot!!

[hcho]

Merhabalar,

No HSMP is not restricted to any profession. However you need to convince the people in HSMP team that you will be able to be economically active(i.e paying tax). The chances for engineers and IT people are higher in current market situation. If you can give a strong evidence for possibility of employment(or self employment) then why not.

Regards,
hcho

[Kayalami]

Does it sound satisfactory for hsmp?? I really wonder if ppl like me, having social science background, qualify!??

As per hcho's statement if you can get 65 points through a combination of such across any part of the application form and provide evidence to back this up then you will get HSMP approval - it doesn't matter what your background is. Infact the HSMP scheme has been useful in diversifying the labour pool coming into the UK away from IT/ Engineering which the standard Work Permit system favoured (well until the IT bubble burst). I must say comments from the Director General would carry significant weight particularly when tied in to your detailed job description with activities/ responsibilities undertaken.

And lastly, if I apply outside UK, I dont need to attach my passport right?

Out of country applicants do not have to submit their passport - however you need to provide evidence of date of birth where you are applying in the under 28 cateogry. This requires either a birth certificate (preferred) or certified/notarised biodata page of your passport.

Indeed I have a student visa expiring july 2005, but if I come to the UK and I can only stay 1-2 months and I am afraid of a delay and cant leave the UK... Which one would be better I am confused..

? Have you finshed your course and are now outside the UK? Given your student visa is still valid you can apply in country. If you leave the UK at any time before your HSMP application is processed the second part of the application which is one for a change in your immigration status stops. The first part which is for HSMP scheme approval continues. You would then have to apply for HSMP visa overseas unless you then returned to the UK whilst your student visa was still valid and applied for HSMP leave to remain on the new Form FLR(IED) - review historic posts for details of this document. However given your visa is valid to July 2005 I see no reason for concern. Note that HSMP applicants with job offers and those whom the GP preferential matrix applies are prioritised by the HSMP Team.

Good Luck

[kishorebhosale]

Dear Kayalami You said

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Given your student visa is still valid you can apply in country. If you leave the UK at any time before your HSMP application is processed the second part of the application which is one for a change in your immigration status stops.
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If the applicant has applied in UK, He has to submit the passport. Then How can he leave UK without his/her Passport when his HSMP appln is in process??

[Kayalami]

He/she can ask for passport back at any time - if its for travel then the change of immigration status part of the HSMP application stops. Look through the historic posts for a more detailed explanation - I believe the response was to kissnkar and/or ugurevin(sp).

[gulgon]

Thanks a lot Kayalami... Indeed I finished my program's courses but writing my thesis outside the UK. But anyway my MA degree will be awarded by this summer so then I can apply to hsmp with better points..

By the way, do you think when my connection with my program finishes, the university informs the Home Office, which then stops the visa??

[Chess]

The university is more concerned about getting money from you! - so they wont inform the Home Office that you course is finished