The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa offers an exciting opportunity for talented individuals to live and work in the UK. To qualify, applicants must meet specific requirements, primarily related to educational qualifications, English language proficiency and financial stability.
To be eligible, you must hold a qualification from a university ranked in the top 50 universities on the annual Global Universities List issued by the Home Office. The full list can be found here. The qualification must be equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate degree or PhD, awarded within the last five years, and verified by Ecctis. Ecctis is the Home Office-approved provider for the recognition and evaluation of international qualifications and skills. UK universities are excluded from this list.
Applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency at a B1 level. This can be achieved through:
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- previous study in the UK (e.g., GCSEs, A Levels, or Scottish Highers in English)
- holding a valid degree taught in English
- being a national of a majority English-speaking country, such as the USA.
Additionally, you must prove financial self-sufficiency by holding £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days. However, this requirement is waived if you have been in the UK with a valid permission for at least 12 months and are applying to switch from your current visa to a HPI visa.
The HPI visa is an excellent opportunity for highly skilled individuals to advance their careers in the UK. If you meet the criteria, it could be the next step in your professional journey.
If you have any questions or require our assistance with applying for this visa, please contact us.
Updated 5 December 2024
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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