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.

Our experts

What our clients say…

From securing skilled worker sponsor licence to dealing with visa applications

"Dear Gemma and Victoria, I wanted to thank you for your amazing effort! This is a personal achievement for me as a director of a small SME. It feels great that our firm is now able to sponsor workers and we could only do it with your guidance and professional help"
Mr Maida - Beta Design Consultants
April 2023

Assisting partner & step-son of British citizen with securing UK entry clearance to successfully naturalising / registering as British citizens

“My wife & I wish to thank Gemma and the team at Latitude Law for the professional , supportive and successful service you have provided for us. We are so pleased with all that we have achieved with you and your team. Thank you again.”
Mr & Mrs Williams
April 2023

Successful entrepreneur and partner dependant visas

Deciding to choose Latitude Law firm for my visa application was the best decision my husband made. They first assisted him with his tier-1 Entrepreneur visa which was a success and later my PBS partner-dependent visa.

My first two applications were refused due to lack of relationship evidence as my marriage was fairly new at that time. Similarly we went ahead with the administrative review which again upheld the decision to refuse my application. This painstaking process was two years long which took a toll on my mental health.

By the blessing of God, we came across Mr.Hafejee at Latitude Law. His excellence, determination and guidance helped us at every step of our application. Mr.Hafejee was extremely patient with our countless queries and calmed our anxiety humbly. He is one of the most approachable solicitors we ever came across and is equipped with brilliance in his field of work. He helped me reunite with my husband after 2 years and the credit goes to his hard work behind our application.

My husband and I will always be thankful to Mr.Hafejee and his brilliant team for the wonderful service they provide. They surely are the best in this field and would truly recommend their services to everyone.

All content on this page was reviewed by Latitude Law and is accurate as of 01/07/2021