The UK High Potential Individual Visa

On 30 May 2022, the UK government aims to introduce a new immigration scheme tagged the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, and this is to recruit exceptional graduates from top worldwide Universities. The concept is part of the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit goal to establish a global workforce. International graduates will be able to work and remain in the UK for two years (for bachelor’s and master’s degree holders) or three years (for PhD holders) (PhD holders).

Applicants are not required to be employed in the UK to be eligible for this visa, and It is worthy to note that the HPI visa itself does not permit permanent residency. Recipients may apply for settlement-based pathways before their status expires.

Requirements for a High Potential Individual Visa

Applicants must be 18 years and above to be eligible for this visa.
Applicants must have received a non-UK degree and ensure that it meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree conferred within the five years before the date of your application. Additionally, only applicants who have attended a university from the Home Office’s Global University List will be eligible.
Applicants will be required to demonstrate English language ability. You may satisfy the English language requirement if you:
1. Are a national of a majority English-speaking country;
2. Have passed a Secure English Language Test;
3. Have been awarded a degree taught in English;
4. Obtained a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English while at school in the UK;
5. Have already shown that you met the requirement, of level B1, in a previous successful application for entry clearance or permission to stay.
Applicants must have funds of at least £1,270 (or equivalent in another currency), held for at least 28 days before the visa application. Individuals who have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more will not need to show proof of funds.

Successful applicants will be allowed to stay and work in the United Kingdom in any capacity (including self-employment and voluntary work), except as a professional sportsman or sports coach. They will not have access to public funds.

Difference between High Potential Individual Visa and Graduate Visa

The primary difference between the HPI visa and the UK graduate visa is that the HPI visa is only accessible to graduates of schools outside the UK. The UK graduate visa permits persons who have finished a degree in the UK to stay in the country for at least two years after graduation.

Other Information

It is impossible to apply for an extension for the High Potential Individual Visa, and this route does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) in the UK. However, before your visa expiration, you may be able to apply from within the UK to switch to another immigration route that, subject to meeting the route’s requirements, will allow you to extend your stay and/or settle in the UK.

For consultations, new visa applications and renewals contact us at [email protected] or call +234 906 307 0000. Drop your comment or questions in the comment section below.