Legal Update: ‘UK High Potential Individual Visa’ (HPI)

The UK High Potential Individual Visa (HPI) is aimed at graduates of highly ranked foreign universities. It allows graduates a chance to secure a short-term work visa which could potentially last for up to 3 years.

Having just launched on the 30^th of May 2022, general knowledge of this new route remains largely unknown. Our Immigration Team strives to put you ahead of the curve. Our solicitors and barristers are already engaged in assisting clients with their applications for the UK High Potential Visa. This article outlines the requirements for a UK High Potential Visa. 

This visa category does not require a foreign graduate to have secured a job offer inside the UK prior to their application. This ensures that they have the flexibility to work and can switch employers if needed. You must be above the age of 18 when you apply and must not previously have been granted permission under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme, as a Graduate or as a High Potential Individual.

To apply for this route, applicants’ qualifications must be verified by Ecctis: a platform that provides Visa and Nationality Services in the UK. Applicants must have graduated within the previous 5 years from a university that appears in the Home Office Global Universities List which is updated annually. 

Proof of English Language skills are essential for this application. If you are unable to satisfy any of the given requirements below, you must pass the Secure English Language Test (SELT) to B1 level standards.

You must show that you will not seek public funds when present in the UK on this visa. Hence, cash funds of a minimum of £1,270 must have been in your account for 28 days or more that end no more than 31 days before your application is submitted. If you have already been present in the UK for more than 12 months, you will not be required to show proof of funds.

Our highly-qualified team of immigration solicitors and barristers can advise you on every detail regarding UK High Potential Visa applications, from start to finish. We are currently engaged in assisting numerous clients in preparing their UK High Potential visa applications, ensuring that every piece of documentation and fees to be paid are dealt with promptly so that you can focus on what matters the most: making the most of your potential. 

The following documents must be submitted:

1. Final certificate(s).
2. Transcript(s).
3. Proof of Funds.
4. Certified translations of your documents, if not in English.
5. Passport and Photo ID.

Upon receipt of all the necessary documents and payment, the assessment will be completed within 30 working days.

In addition to a Health Surcharge, which will cost £624 for every year you stay in the UK, you will also be required to pay £715 for the application fee.

The key ingredient to success is having the right support. Our team of solicitors and barristers are specialist immigration lawyers who act in to get you the best result

We offer a client-tailored approach from the outset. From the very first meeting, we will be able to advise you in respect of the merit of your case before your matter even reaches the Home Office UK Visa & Immigration department. Our team of immigration lawyers are extremely skilled and hold considerable experience in advising clients on an array of visa applications they may undertake, including UK High Potential Individual visas. Our team looks at the issues from both sides so that a balanced and correct evaluation of the case is achieved. We are also proud of being able to mobilise with speed and act as tenaciously as the client’s needs and case demands. All options available are discussed with the client, consideration is given to personal and financial pressures and future action is only taken after proper consultation and agreement.

We are based in the legal epicentre of London, just across the road from the Royal Courts of Justice in order to ensure we get the best results for our clients. UK Immigration Experts is just minutes away from the Immigration and Asylum Tribunal, the Royal Courts of Justice and other central London courts.

Preparation is integral to success. Our UK immigration and visa solicitors are here to guide you through the complex immigration rules and requirements. If you wish to meet one of our lawyers, please call our Immigration Team so we can assess your case and develop a timely strategy for your successful UK High Potential Individual visa application.