To qualify to settle in the UK under the HSMP, you must: have been living here legally for the last 5 years; and currently have permission to stay here as a highly skilled migrant; and have been in the UK as a highly skilled migrant, work permit holder or innovator throughout the 5 years; and have maintained and accommodated yourself and any dependants without the use of public funds throughout the 5 years; and have been employed, self-employed or a combination of both throughout the 5 years; and have sufficient knowledge of language and life in the UK. During the continuous residence period, you cannot be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 consecutive months. Time spent in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man may be included in the continuous period, as long as you were given permission to stay (also known as leave) as either highly skilled migrant, a work permit holder in an occupation that you would have been given a work permit for in the UK, or an innovator. Your most recent permission to stay must have been given in the UK as a highly skilled migrant.