HSMP Applicants

Hi All-

I am going to apply this summer under HSMP.  Can some of you share your experience with me as far as difficulty in finding a job, etc?  How long did it take to get the visa as I hear that Americans are processed quicker.  I am moving to be with my partner...the distance is so hard.  How is graduate work experience defined?  Does it mean "work after undergrad" or does it actually REQUIRE a degree?  Some jobs prefer a degree or sufficient experience.  How hard is it hard for an American to find work in England?  I have a US MBA plus experience from a fortune 500 company.

Thanks,
Tonya

Possibly a silly question as I assume the answer is no, but let's play some craps.

I will complete my master's degree in May.  Should I send in my HSMP application before then or should I wait until after May? (I am trying to hedge the 6 month wait if I can)

Possibly a silly question as I assume the answer is no, but let's play some craps.

I will complete my master's degree in May.  Should I send in my HSMP application before then or should I wait until after May? (I am trying to hedge the 6 month wait if I can)

It depends on whether or not you meet the other requirements -- do you have the work experiences, specialty skills, salary history, etc?

For everyones information, you should be aware that HSMP is not as easy to achieve as it once was. Certainly if you are under 28, have at least an equivalent of a UK Bachelors degree, at least 2 years of graduate level employment and have earned at least 17,500 GBP in a country such as the USA then  the case CAN be fairly straightforward, but it is by no means as simple as the published guidance notes would have you believe.

With regard to one of the statements in this thread, beware of trying to claim specialist (and even senior) points for your work experience, as these can prove hard points to get awarded by the Home Office, particularly with regard to claiming specialist experience. There is no truth in the belief that Americans, or any other nationality, get processed quicker - this is very much luck of the draw. Applications for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme are currently (18 January 2005) taking around 6 months to be processed, but we have had applications approved within 3 weeks recently for a variety of nationalities - you will not find any consistency when making applications for immigration purposes.

All of our American clients seem to have gone on to find employment, and some in exceptional positions, but of course this will be determined by your abilities and the market that you are in. Certainly there is no bias against Americans and many companies positively love to employ Americans.

Hope some of the rant above provides some useful guidance.

Dean Marshall
Director
SkillClear.co.uk
newcomer link: http://www.skillclear.co.uk/ [nonactive]

Can you give more insight to what "graduate level" employment means?  Does it have to be a technical position or can it be one that reqiures a bachelor's degree or like 5+ years experience to make up for education?  I am not sure what they mean by this.  I rarely come across jobs anymore that REQUIRE a bachelors if the person has many years of experience.

I would say that graduate-level means work beyond obtaining a bachelors degree.  Over here, someone with a bachelors is called a graduate, so I'd assume that's the level they're looking for.

Can you give more insight to what "graduate level" employment means? 

It means NVQ3 or above, but for some, it's NVQ4.  The minimum for a standard work permit is NVQ3, and I'm sure lots of HSMP people are getting their extensions at that level.  There are a number of equivalents, like SVQ4.  The borderlines between say, NVQ3 and NVQ4 can be gray sometimes also. 

Garry, as an aside to this -- how to NVQ and bachelors qualifications compare?  I'm trying to find a new job and lots of ads say that NVQ3/4 are required.  I obviously don't have those, but I do have my bachelors (in sociology and education).  Is there any point in my applying for those positions?

Garry, as an aside to this -- how to NVQ and bachelors qualifications compare?  I'm trying to find a new job and lots of ads say that NVQ3/4 are required.  I obviously don't have those, but I do have my bachelors (in sociology and education).  Is there any point in my applying for those positions?

If you have a bachelors degree, you are ok to go at *least* NVQ3.  A degree in soc can be translated to SVQ4 or even 5, depending upon circumstances.  It gets very gray.

It gets tricky if they want A levels.  I have always used a rule of thumb that an SAT of 1150 or above was equivalent to 4 A levels.  But, it's just a rule of thumb...

Thanks, garry.   

Thanks Richard and Lola.  I think I am stressing about this process more so than I have to

These are excellent descriptions of the responsibilities and titles I have had over the last 4 years (still employed).  Would any of this qualify for the "specialist" admission?

Marketing Manager (Marketing)
Develops and implements strategic marketing plan for an organization. Stays abreast of changes in the marketing environment to best serve the objectives of the organization and adjusts plans accordingly. Researches and develops pricing policies and recommends appropriate sales channels. Generally manages a group of marketing professionals. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to an executive.

Market Research Analyst IV (Marketing)
Collects and analyzes data to evaluate existing and potential product/service markets. Identifies and monitors competitors and researches market conditions or changes in the industry that may affect sales. Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. May report to an executive or a manager.


I am given direction by the CEO, COO, VP of Sales, and VP of Marketing.  I have 6 PT employees and 2 FT employees under my supervision. 

Is HSMP only for people under 28?

No, HSMP is not only for those under 28.  If you are 28 or over you can also apply.

By the way, they are currently processing apps for June 16th, 2004, which could mean a 39+ month wait from the time you submit your application to the time it would be reviewed by the Home Office......

Not to scare you, but it's possible this could happen to you.