Recent graduates from the best colleges in the world can apply for the High Potential Individual Visa if they want to work or search for a job in the UK. On May 30, 2022, the High Potential Individual route will start operating.
Settlement in the UK does not result immediately through the High Potential Individual method. You might be able to apply from within the UK to transfer to another immigration path that does result in settlement before your leave ends, though. A partner and dependent children may join or accompany an applicant.
Conditions for a High Potential Person Visa
You must convince UK Visas and Immigration that you are eligible for a High Potential Individual Visa by providing the following evidence:
- You are at least 18 years old; during the previous five years, you received a degree-level academic qualification from a school that is listed among the world’s top universities;
- You possess language proficiency in English at least at CEFR Level B1 (corresponding to an IELTS score of 4.0);
- You are self-sufficient and don’t need government assistance;
- You have submitted a current TB certificate, if necessary, and you have not already received approval under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme as a Graduate or as a High Potential Individual.
Depending on your circumstances, there can be some variations in the specific standards you must meet. For professional guidance, you might wish to talk with an immigration attorney.
Global Universities List the Education Requirements for Abroad
You must possess an international degree-level academic certification in order to be eligible for a High Potential Individual Visa. A minimum of five years must have passed since you received your international degree before you applied for your High Potential Individual Visa.
The university from which you received your degree must be listed on the Global Universities List as of the day you received it. The Global Universities List is an annual compilation of universities by the Home Office that includes all academic institutions that have received at least two rankings in the top 50 in the following categories:
- The Academic Ranking of World Universities,
- Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, and
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
If you are an overseas student who has earned a degree from a UK institution that qualifies, you could be eligible for the Graduate Immigration Route.
Individual High Potential Visa Language Requirement: English
You must demonstrate English language proficiency on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) to at least level B1 in order to be eligible for a High Potential Individual Visa (intermediate).
Recent graduates will meet the English language requirement if they: Apply for entrance clearance or leave to remain as a High Potential Individual.
Have earned a degree taught in English; are citizens of a country with a majority of English-speaking people; have passed the Secure English Language Test; earned GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English while enrolled in school in the UK; or have previously demonstrated that they met the level B1 requirement in a successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay.
Financial Requirement for Individuals with High Potential
You will need to have cash funds of at least £1,270 accessible, subject to the exception below.
The money must have been in your possession for at least 28 days in a row, ending no more than 31 days before the application deadline for the High Potential Individual Visa.
You won’t need to provide proof of money if you are seeking for permission to stay in the UK and have had permission to be there for at least a year at the time of application.
Making the switch to the High Potential Individual Visa Route
Unless you currently have, or were most recently granted, permission as a Visitor, Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or outside the Immigration Rules, you may extend your stay by switching into the High Potential Individual Visa route.
High Potential Individual Visa Duration
If your request for a High Potential Visa is accepted, the length of time you are permitted to stay will be determined by the certification you used to satisfy the Global Universities List criterion for an abroad degree:
- D. or equivalent doctorate degree – three years
- All additional degree requirements: two years
- Conditions of Residency for High Potential Persons
If your request for a High Potential Individual Visa is granted, you may work (including self-employment and volunteer work), with the exception of being a professional athlete or sports coach. Additionally, you will have the option of taking classes that do not match the criteria for the Student path. You won’t be able to use the public funds.
How to extend the High Potential Individual Visa?
An extension of a High Potential Individual visa cannot be requested. You might be possible to apply from within the UK to transfer to a different immigration path, though, before your leave ends. You must fulfill the conditions for the immigration path you want to choose.
High Potential Individual visa path to settlement?
Settlement in the UK does not result immediately from the High Potential Individual Visa. You might be able to move to another immigration path that does result in settlement, such as the Skilled Worker route or the Start-up route when paired with the Innovator route, before your leave ends, though. You must fulfill the conditions for the immigration path you want to choose. On our website, you may find information on all the major immigration paths, including whether they result in settlement.
Until you are qualified for settlement based on long residence, you may also be able to prolong your stay.
Dependents of high-potential visa applicants for individuals
Holders of High Potential Individual Visas may be joined or accompanied by a dependent spouse or child who is older than 18 and a dependent kid who is less than 18.
