Under the HSMP arrangements, initial applications may be approved for a period of up to 24 months. If you are a Highly Skilled Migrant you will, in the last month before the end of that period, be able to apply for permission to stay for an additional four years under HSMP.

You will be asked to provide evidence of your economic activity during your period of stay in the UK and evidence of your personal earnings during the period, if you are employed. If you are self-employed, a business plan and evidence that you have established a business bank account will suffice. If you have been active both in employment and self-employment then you should submit evidence of both. You will also need to declare that you and your family have not had access to public funds and have not received a criminal conviction. If your application is approved you will normally be given permission to remain for a further three year period.

If you have been granted permission to stay in the United Kingdom as a Highly Skilled Migrant for a total of five years and wish to remain in the United Kingdom on a permanent basis you can apply at the end of the five-year period for permanent residence. This is otherwise known as indefinite leave or settlement. The main criteria for settlement will be that you have spent a continuous period of five years in the UK (except for trips abroad of three months or less, totaling less than six months in the five-year period) in a category leading to settlement. You must also be able to demonstrate that you can continue to be economically active in the UK as a highly skilled migrant.