In a move widely seen as the first step towards the new points-based system which will be rolled out over the next two years, the Home Office has announced a change in the rules for the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP). The new HSMP rules were effective from 8 November. The HSMP scheme is suspended until 4 December 2006 and the Home Office will not accept HSMP applications during this period. The new scheme will be operational from 5 December 2006. The minimum points required to qualify for HSMP have been raised to 75 (previously 65 points) and there has been a change to the assessment criteria. In addition, there is a new English language requirement which means certain people now need to sit English language tests. The revised HSMP criteria will allow applicants to score points against the following criteria: qualifications; previous earnings; prior UK experience as a student or employee; age; and participation in an MBA scheme. The previous categories of work experience, significant achievements and partner’s achievements have been deleted.