ILR - HSMP JR Policy Document

The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) was that migrants should show that they had spent four years continuous residence in the United Kingdom. The four year qualifying period was increased to five years on 3 April 2006.

The HSMP Forum Ltd brought a Judicial Review on the grounds that those who entered onto the HSMP before the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) was increased from four to five years should be eligible to apply for settlement (ILR) after four years on the scheme. The judge found in favour of the HSMP Forum on this point.

The purpose of this policy is to give effect to the High Court’s judgment and enable affected migrants to apply after four years continuous residence in the United Kingdom in a qualifying category. Under this policy, migrant’s will not have to demonstrate a knowledge of language and life in the United Kingdom in order to obtain ILR.