High Potential Individual Visa

This work and study route was introduced on 30 May 2022. It provides an opportunity for international graduates of a list of top universities, awarded an overseas (non-UK) degree or postgraduate qualification within the last 5 years, to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

The qualification must have been awarded by a university on the Global Universities List at the date of the award.

This is an unsponsored route, which means you do not need a job offer before applying. Dependants are permitted, but this is not a route to settlement in the UK (unless part of a qualifying 10-year period of residence).

Applicants must not have disqualifying criminal convictions, and must meet a modest financial requirement. You must also meet an English language requirement, which means taking a test if your degree was not taught in English. You cannot use this route if you’ve previously been granted permission to stay under the UK’s doctorate extension or graduate visa schemes.

An application will normally be submitted from outside the UK, but it is possible to switch in-country from certain visa categories.

For advice on entry to the UK as a High Potential Individual contact our expert team today.