With the aim of attracting global talent to the UK, as part of the recent Global Business Mobility Immigration Rules shake-up, the High Potential Individual route is due to open on 30th May, 2022. The High Potential Individual visa is aimed at people who have recently graduated (in the last 5 years) from leading overseas universities that are on the Home Office’s list of eligible universities.
This new route is a unique opportunity for graduates to work in the UK without having to be sponsored by an eligible company.
What are the requirements for the High Potential Individual visa?
English language requirement: Visa applicants will need to achieve level B1 CEFR in order to meet the English language requirement. Unless they can show that their degree was taught in English or that they are from a majority English-speaking country.
Financial requirement: Individuals will need to demonstrate that they can support themselves in the UK by holding at least £1270 in their bank account for 28 days.
University requirement: Applicants must be awarded a specific degree in the last 5 years from a university that is on the government’s list of approved universities. There is a different list for each graduation period (provided below). The lists are made up of the top 50 universities in the following ranking systems and will be updated yearly:
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings
- The Academic Ranking of World Universities
Verified qualification requirement: The qualification will need to be verified by Ecctis which is the government-approved organisation that confirms that your degree meets the standard of a UK Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree qualification.
Global universities lists
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2016 and 31 October 2017
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2017 and 31 October 2018
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2018 and 31 October 2019
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2019 and 31 October 2020
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2020 and 31 October 2021
- Global universities list for people who have graduated between 1 November 2021 and 31 October 2022
Do I need a job offer to apply for the High Potential Individual visa?
No, this is an unsponsored visa which means that you do not need to have a job offer or be sponsored by a UK company. You can simply come to the UK and work for any employer.
How long will I be granted the visa for?
Successful applicants will be granted a visa for 2 years unless they have been awarded a PhD from an eligible institution, then they will be granted a 3-year visa.
What can I do on this visa?
This visa allows people to come to the UK and work unsponsored, although you do not have to take up employment. You can also study (in a place that does not already sponsor students under the student visa), become self-employed, and volunteer on this visa.
How much does the High Potential Individual visa cost?
The High Potential Individual visa costs £715.
Can I get indefinite leave to remain through this route?
This visa is not a direct route to settlement. However, applicants will be able to switch into other working routes that do lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).