A Complete Guide to UK’s High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa for Skilled Workers

The United Kingdom has progressed in its plans after Brexit by introducing the ‘High Potential Individual’ (HPI) visa. This new visa category is designed to attract extremely skilled workers from around the world.

This action is considered a crucial aspect of the UK’s strategy to stay competitive by bringing in talent from the international stage.

Encouraging Skilled Workers Through a Special Visa

The HPI visa is crafted to motivate skilled workers with top-notch qualifications from well-known international universities to contribute their expertise to the UK. Eligible applicants must possess a degree from a university listed in the top 50 rankings of at least two of the following:

1. Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings.
2. The Academic Ranking of World Universities.

Benefits and Flexibility of the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa offers notable advantages, particularly in terms of flexibility. Approved individuals will receive the visa without requiring a job offer, granting them the freedom to pursue employment opportunities or work independently upon reaching the UK. This facet of the visa is anticipated to contribute significantly to the UK’s economy by fostering innovation and addressing skill shortages in critical sectors.

HPI Visa Integral to UK’s Post-Brexit

Approach The launch of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa stands as a crucial component of the UK’s post-Brexit strategy. The nation aims to uphold and strengthen its competitive position in the global market by enticing skilled individuals from diverse regions. This visa is anticipated to streamline this effort and will be open for applications starting May 2022.

Duration of Stay with High Potential Individual  (HPI) Visa

Typically, a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa provides a duration of 2 years, and for those with a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral qualification, it extends to 3 years.

Extending Your Stay in the UK

Extensions for the HPI visa are not available. Nevertheless, there is the option to transition to an alternative visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.

Ensure eligibility for applying for a different visa to continue your stay in the UK.

Application Process for High Potential Individual  (HPI) Visa

The application process for the HPI visa is conducted online.

The procedure varies based on your situation:

1. Outside the UK and Coming to the UK: If you are outside the UK and planning to come, you need to apply online.
2. Inside the UK and Switching from a Different Visa: If you are already inside the UK and switching from another visa, the application process is also online.

Additionally:

• Dependants: If your partner and children meet the eligibility criteria, they can apply to join you or continue staying in the UK as your ‘dependants.’

Ensure you follow the correct application process based on your specific circumstances.

Processing Time and Cost for HPI Visa

Processing Time:

1. As part of the application process, you must verify your identity and submit the required documents.
2. Additional time may be necessary if you require an appointment for these procedures, which will be indicated during the application initiation.

Decision Timeline:

Following the online application, identity verification, and document submission, the typical decision times are:

1. 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK.
2. 8 weeks if applying from within the UK.

Eligibility Criteria for High Potential Individual Visa

Qualification Requirements:

To qualify for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you must have received a qualification from an eligible university. Your qualification should be at the same level as a UK bachelor’s degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or a UK PhD or doctorate. To ensure validity and appropriate level, apply to Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC). However, it is important to note that the qualification must have been granted within the last five years.

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

In addition to the qualification criteria, you must also:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in English.
2. Provide evidence of sufficient personal savings to sustain yourself in the UK, unless you have held a valid visa in the UK for at least 12 months.
3. Not necessarily have a job offer to apply.

Application Details:

1. You can apply for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa from inside or outside the UK.
2. You are allowed to submit only one application for the HPI visa.
3. You are ineligible to apply for the HPI visa if you have already been granted a Graduate visa or if you have previously entered the UK under the Doctorate Extension Scheme student category.

Costs Associated with High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Application

When applying for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you should budget for the following expenses:

1. Ecctis Qualification Check:

1. £210 if applying outside the UK
2. £252 if applying from within the UK

2. Application Fee:

The visa application fee is £822.

3. Healthcare Surcharge:

Usually £624 for each year of intended stay

If eligible for HPI visa for:

1. 2 years – £1,248
2. 3 years – £1,872

4. Financial Support:

1. A minimum of £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate self-sufficiency in the UK.
2. The funds must have been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with day 28 falling within 31 days of the visa application.
3. Proof of financial capability is typically required during the application unless you have been in the UK with a valid visa for at least 12 months.

5. Healthcare Surcharge Refund:

• If you secure employment in public sector healthcare post-payment of the healthcare surcharge, you may be eligible for a refund.

6. Financial Support for Dependents:

• Your partner and children must also provide evidence of their ability to support themselves while in the UK. Refer to specific requirements for their financial needs.

Please note that these costs are subject to change, and it is advisable to check the official UK government website or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.Top of Form

Final Thoughts

The introduction of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa marks a significant stride in the United Kingdom’s post-Brexit strategy. Crafted to attract highly skilled professionals globally, this visa category aligns with the UK’s commitment to remaining competitive in the international arena.

Designed to encourage global talent, the HPI visa targets individuals with top-tier qualifications from renowned international universities. The flexibility it offers, such as not requiring a job offer and allowing independent work, is expected to make substantial contributions to the UK’s economy, fostering innovation and addressing skill gaps.