High Potential Individual Visa

The High Potential Individual visa is designed for highly skilled individuals who have graduated from a top global university and wish to come to the UK to live and work. This visa allows talented graduates to explore opportunities and contribute to the UK’s economy. It is part of the UK’s points-based immigration system and provides a route for international talent to settle in the UK.

This visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, but you may be able to switch to another immigration route that could lead to settlement.

Eligibility

To qualify for a High Potential Individual Visa, you must satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

• You are aged 18 or over.
• You have graduated from a university or higher education institution that is on the approved list of top global universities.
• You have been awarded a degree at the bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD level.
• Your qualification is equivalent to a UK degree.
• You meet the English language requirement, unless exempt.
• You have sufficient funds to support yourself without relying on public funds.

Duration of Stay

You can stay in the UK with a High Potential Individual visa for:

• 2 years if you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• 3 years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification.

Extensions are not available under this visa, but you may be able to switch to another visa category, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if you meet the requirements.

Application Process

Timeline

You can apply for a visa up to 3 months before your job start date in the UK. As part of your application, you will need to:

• Prove your identity.
• Provide the required documents.
• You may need an appointment to complete this process, which can add time to your application. You will be informed if an appointment is necessary.

Decision Timeframe

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
• 8 weeks if applying from inside the UK.

Rights and Restrictions

What You Can Do:

• Work in any job at any skill level.
• Study.
• Bring your partner and children as dependants, if eligible.
• Travel abroad and return to the UK.

What You Cannot Do:

• Apply for most benefits (public funds) or the state pension.
• Change jobs unless you meet eligibility criteria and update your visa.
• Apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) in the UK directly.

Get in touch with us now at Squadlead to make your High Potential Individual visa application process seamless and stress-free!