just because I'm a bit thick (HSMP & new ILR rules)

I'm looking to apply for an HSMP visa at the end of this year or early next. Assuming it's granted and I arrive in 2007, as the (new) rules currently stand, if I'm understanding correctly,I would need to have resided 5 years before I could get IRL.  That would mean after the initial visa period of 12 months, applying for FLR for three (?)  years and then a further :-) FLR to cover the next year? Or have the FLR periods changed too?

And (just to complicate things :-) if I were minded to apply for citizenship, that would mean *another* year at ILR before I could apply, right?

So, as a time line it would look like

2007, arrive in UK
2008, (assuming employment &c.) apply for FLR
2011, apply for FLR again
2012, apply for ILR
2013, apply for citizenship.

Sound right, or have I missed important elements?

Almost right.

2007 - enter on HSMP
2009 - apply for FLR (HSMP extension)
2012 - apply for ILR
2013 - apply for citizenship


Victoria

Thanks, Victoria! So, is the HSMP now good for 24 months instead of 12?

Almost right.

2007 - enter on HSMP
2009 - apply for FLR (HSMP extension)
2012 - apply for ILR
2013 - apply for citizenship


Victoria

Yep.

Victoria

Thanks, Victoria! So, is the HSMP now good for 24 months instead of 12?

Yep.

Victoria

I was wondering about all this as well.

So does that mean even if you enter this year (2006) on HSMP it will be for 24 months rather than 12 months?  Or, does 24 months start with 2007? 

Yep.

Victoria

Excellent! That's very good news.

Victoria, I have a similar question... if a person has a 5 year sponsored work permit, do they have to apply for the FLR and ILR? I see the benefit if the person wants to stick around in the UK but if not, there is no need? 

Ok...as of now (actually yesterday I think) the HSMP's will be issued for two years.

If someone has a five year work permit, then at the end of that they can chose to apply for ILR if they want to, or their employer can apply for an extension to the work permit and then you apply for FLR.


Victoria

what about... working two years on one WP and then a couple more on a different WP? it's the total time spent in country not exactly the particular WP visa you are tied to?

or how about two years on a WP then two years on a HSMP then ILR?

just curious... I get itchy feet  I am a social worker so no worries about not being able to find jobs here!

thanks Victoria 

Time spent on work permits and HSMP's can all be clubbed together for ILR.


Victoria

excellent, thanks!