HSMP Application And Extension Changes, issued on 29 February 2008:
The UK Government have started making the proposed changes to the immigration routes offered into the United Kingdom. The changes will eventually result in a new 5 Tier system similar to that already in place in Australia. Tier 1 was established on 29 February 2008. The 5 Tiers will form the basis for a new points based system.
The new system will replace more than 80 existing work and study routes in to the UK. Points will be awarded for workers' skills to reflect aptitude, experience, age and also the demand for those skills in any given sectore. The new system will hopefully be a transparent and objective system enabling potential migrants to assess their likelihood of makign a successful application. The new system will be introduced in phases.
The first phase has incorporated the following changes:
1. initial HSMP applications by applicants already in the UK have been replaced with the Tier 1 General application, which is a one step process instead of the two-step process for HSMP;
2. initial HSMP applications can still be made by applicants outside the UK; The process for HSMP applications from outside the UK is still unchanged, i.e. two-step, application and then visa;
3. extensions under HSMP will now be completed under Tier 1 General;
4. working holiday makers can no longer switch to HSMP while in the UK;
5. the first change for external HSMP applications will take place on 1 April 2008 when applications from India will be made directly to the local British Embassy;
6. changes have been made to work permits to create a sponsorship scheme;
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