Which University Degrees Qualify For The High Potential Individual Visa?

On 30 May 2022 the new visa category of High Potential Individual (HPI) visa will open, which will allow individuals to live and work in the UK if they are a recent graduate from one of the top universities in the world and they meet other eligibility criteria.

Applicants must have been awarded a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree qualification in the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the application. It must be a qualification awarded by a university outside of the UK, which appears in the top 50 on two of the following three global university ranking systems:

1. Times Higher Education World University Rankings
2. Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings
3. The Academic Ranking of World Universities

The Home Office will publish a list of qualifying universities, to be known as the Global Universities List (‘GUL’), in advance of the category opening on 30 May 2022.

To qualify, the applicant’s university or institution must appear on the GUL in respect of the date the applicant was awarded the degree. We expect that the GUL will cover the years 2017 to present when first published.

Applicants must also prove their ability to speak English to a certain standard (at least CEFR Level B1) and have sufficient funds to support themselves while in the UK without relying on public funds.

Visas will be issued for a period of two years where applicants rely on a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, and for a period of three years where applicants rely on a qualification which is equivalent to a UK PhD (doctorate).

It is not possible to extend the High Potential Individual visa, and this route does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain (i.e. permanent residence) in the UK. However, if applicants wish to continue to remain in the UK, they may be eligible to switch to another visa category from within the UK (for example, Skilled Worker, if they work in a qualifying position with a licenced employer).

How Gherson Can Help

This is a new visa category for the Home Office. We expect the full details and application process to be released shortly before the High Potential Individual Visa route goes live at the end of May.

At Gherson we have extensive experience in dealing with the Home Office when new visa categories are introduced. If you require assistance with an High Potential Individual visa, or have questions regarding any other UK visa category please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or alternatively, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.

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.

©Gherson 2022