The UK government will make Britain the "most accessible country for innovative talent" and introduce a High Potential visa on May 30, 2022, to achieve that goal. This visa will be open to applicants who have graduated from the best global universities and will allow them to live and work in the UK.

The visa is also designed to make it easier for existing British companies and organisations, including technology, digital technology, vaccine development, and a variety of other industries and fields, to hire the human resources needed to lead the world.

The announced High Potential Visa targets highly skilled and educated elite people who want to share their talents and contribute to the British economy. This includes global innovators and entrepreneurs who want to work or start a business in the UK.

Eligibility criteria for High Potential Visas

Educational Requirement

In order to qualify for a High Potential Individual Visa, applicants need to have been awarded an overseas (i.e. non-UK) degree-level academic qualification. If you are an international student who has completed a UK degree then, unfortunately, your degree will not qualify for the purpose of the High Potential Individual Route.

If you have an overseas academic qualification then you will also need to check that your qualification meets or exceeds the recognized standard of a UK bachelor's or UK postgraduate degree.

In order to qualify for a High Potential Individual Visa, your overseas degree level qualification must have been awarded in the 5 years before the date of your High Potential Individual Visa application.

The institution that awarded your degree must have been listed on the Global Universities List published by the Home Office on the date when the degree was awarded. 

   

English Language Requirements

To live and work in the UK, the applicant will need to demonstrate English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in all 4 components (reading, writing, speaking and listening) to at least level B1 (intermediate).

 

Financial requirements

You will need to have the equivalent of at least £1,270 held in your bank account for a continuous 28-day period no later than 31 days prior to making the High Potential Individual visa application.

There is an exception to the financial requirement for individuals who have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more at the date of application and who are applying to extend into the High Potential Individual Route. Such individuals will automatically meet the financial requirement and will not need to show funds.

 

Previously granted UK visa

You’ll not be eligible to apply for a High Potential Individual visa if you’ve previously been granted leave in the UK on either a Student Doctoral Extension Scheme or as a Graduate or High Potential Individual.

Age

You must be at least 18 years of age or older at the time of your visa application.

 

Condition of Stay

The High Potential Individual visa will be issued for 3 years for PhD/ doctoral graduates and 2 years for all other qualifying degrees.

 

High Potential Individual Visa holders are permitted to work in the UK (including self-employment and voluntary work) in any role, apart from as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. You will also be able to study other than on a course that would meet the requirements of the Student route. You will not be permitted to access public funds.

You can bring your family members and your spouse/partner must be 18 years of age or older, and your dependent children must be under 18 years old.

The High Potential Individual visa route will not count towards settlement. However, as you’re able to switch routes, you’ll be able to first come to the UK on a High Potential Individual visa and then switch to a different visa route that does lead towards settlement.

Please call 020 3865 6219, or leave a message to discuss your High Potential visa or switch to a visa to lead settlement.