WHV vs. HSMP – What’s the Best Visa for the UK?
By Pheona Hurley – Global Candidate Manager at Absolute Global
While many New Zealanders and Australians head across to the UK for their overseas experience, an important consideration is the type of visa to apply for. While the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is one of the easiest visas to apply for if you are under 31, it does have its pitfalls. The Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) does take longer to apply for, with more documentation required, but what you may find is that the extra pain is worth it when you land on British soil.
First of all, to clarify what each visa entitles you to:
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Working Holiday Visa
(WHV)
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Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP)
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Eligibility
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Can apply if you are under 31, and your main
intention is to holiday in the UK
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Points-based system based on skills, experience,
age, past earnings, and English language skills
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Time allowed in UK
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2 years maximum, allowing only 52 weeks work
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2 years initially, and can be extended to a maximum of 5 years
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Type of work
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Contract/temporary only
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Contract/temporary, permanent, or self-employment
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Restrictions
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Cannot switch to another visa while in the UK – must return to country
of residence
No extensions
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5 years maximum on the HSMP
Following 5 years in the UK you may be eligible to apply for
Indefinite Leave to Remain
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Application time
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Allow 6-8 weeks
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Allow 12 weeks
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Cost
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NZD$553.50 + courier
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NZD$553.50 + courier
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The HSMP visa is slowly being phased out and changed to the Points-Based System: Tier 1 (General) Highly Skilled Workers. If you are not applying for a visa for some time please keep an eye out for changes on the UK Border Agency website.
Many people consider travelling to the UK on the WHV and switching over to the HSMP in order to maximise their time in the UK. However, recent policy changes now mean that you have to return to your country of residence to apply for the HSMP. This can take up to three months as the application has to be returned to the UK, and back again. If you initially apply for the HSMP and stay for the maximum 5 years, you can then apply for indefinite leave to remain.
Another reason for considering the HSMP initially is that a lot of employers are hesitant in employing those on a WHV. This is because the WHV only allows contract work, to a maximum of 52 weeks across the maximum 2 year stay. This means that they can only consider you for contract employment, and opportunities to roll this contract over are limited.
If you are a skilled professional holding a tertiary qualification, the team here at Absolute Global strongly recommend that you consider the HSMP as your preferred visa option. It is the best option for professionals wanting to start their career in the UK, and who are not eligible for a British/EU passport, or an Ancestry Visa.
For more information on your visa options go to:
Or contact the Absolute Global team on 0800 29 89 99 or email us now!