The UK government has recently unveiled the new High Potential Individual visa as part of its Innovation Strategy, with the goal of inviting the world’s top talent to its shores. This visa is designed specifically for graduates of premier global universities, allowing them to live and work in the UK without requiring sponsorship.
More details about the High Potential Individual visa are set to be released early next year. Here’s a brief summary of what we know so far.
What is the High Potential Individual UK visa?
This novel visa category is intended to draw high-performing international individuals to the UK, focusing on those with skills crucial for achieving the UK’s ‘levelling up’ objectives. This visa targets the highly educated and highly skilled individuals who can contribute positively to the UK economy.
Why is the High Potential Individual visa being launched?
The UK government seeks to make the UK the most accommodating nation for top Innovative Talent. In pursuit of this objective, the High Potential Individual visa has been introduced. It distinguishes itself from other skill-based visas like the UK Skilled Work visa and Global Talent visa by enabling highly talented individuals with high potential from all over the globe to move to the UK and fulfill their aspirations.
What are the eligibility criteria for the High Potential Individual visa?
At this time, not much information has been disclosed about eligibility criteria, except that applicants for the High Potential Individual visa must be graduates from a renowned global university.
The criteria for what constitutes a “top global university” remains unclear, but likely candidates are universities listed in the following rankings:
- QS World University Rankings
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Round University Rankings
For instance, graduates from Harvard University, MIT, Oxford University, Stanford University, or Caltech will likely meet the High Potential Individual visa eligibility requirements. The cutoff point in these lists for a university to be considered globally top-tier is yet to be determined.
The High Potential Individual visa will be incorporated into the UK’s Points-based System for immigration, making it easy to see the requirements and potential combinations of education and experience when the visa is launched.
Is there a limit to the number of High Potential Individual visas?
There is currently no announced quota for the High Potential Individual visa.
Will it be possible to extend a High Potential Individual visa?
Based on the information available, holders of the High Potential Individual visa can extend it for up to 5 years. Given that the UK typically grants visas for 30-36 months, it is likely that applicants will need to initially apply for the High Potential Individual visa and then extend it.
Does the High Potential Individual visa contribute towards settlement in the UK?
Yes, after five years, holders of the High Potential Individual visa can apply for UK settlement and potentially British citizenship.
This is unlike some other recently introduced UK visa routes, like the Graduate Immigration visa, which does not directly lead to settlement.
Can I bring my family to the UK with me on a High Potential Individual visa?
As of now, there are no announcements regarding bringing dependents to the UK under the High Potential Individual visa. Other visas like the Global Talent visa do not permit dependents, but the new Skilled Worker visa does.
When will the High Potential Individual visa be available?
The UK government has not announced a specific timeline for the launch of the High Potential Individual visa, but many predict it will become available in early 2022.
What is the cost of the High Potential Individual visa?
The fee for the High Potential Individual visa has not yet been disclosed. There is also no confirmation on whether the Immigration Health Surcharge payment will apply to the High Potential Individual visa.
Where can I find more information about the High Potential Individual visa?
The most effective way to stay updated on the High Potential Individual visa is to subscribe to our mailing list. You’ll receive 2-4 emails per month on various visa, travel, and immigration topics, including instructions on how to apply for the High Potential Individual visa when it is launched. You can start by filling out the form below.