In order to ensure economic growth, the United Kingdom wants to attract the most highly skilled workers.
The Highly-Skilled Migrant Programme (HSMP) is a scheme that is designed to achieve this.
To qualify for the scheme you must score a certain number of points, which are awarded mainly for educational qualifications and recent previous earnings.
Points are also awarded for age if you are under 32 and for experience of the UK in either study or work.
If you successfully apply for the HSMP Visa you will be given leave to stay in the UK for up to two years, which is renewable.
After five years spent in the UK as an HSMP visa holder, you may apply for indefinite leave to remain in the UK and, eventually, British citizenship.