How to qualify for the High Potential Individual route
A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows the applicant to live in the UK for a time period of at least 2 years. To apply, it is necessary for the applicant to be awarded a qualification by top global universities in the last 5 years. High Potential Individual Route permits the applicant to look for work, work in most jobs, be self-employed, and do voluntary work. They can also, live in the UK with their spouses and children if they’re eligible and travel in and out of the UK without any difficulty.
Various new immigration routes are designed by the UK Government’s program to aid high achievers coming from all over the world to the UK. The route was launched in May 2022, and is the best route for an appendix High Potential Individual. The purpose was to attract graduates from top universities globally to analyze their ambitions for their careers in the UK while giving UK employers and businesses an opportunity that make access to a global pool of talent more feasible.
Application process
There are certain steps that you need to follow to be able to qualify for the High Potential Individual Route. First and foremost, your qualification undergoes a detailed verification process. Any individual over the age of 18 can apply for this visa. You must be awarded an overseas degree that is equivalent to either a UK graduate degree, postgraduate degree or UK Ph.D., or doctorate. The institution you graduate from must be from the Home Office Global Universities Lists. It is mandatory for you to apply to Ecctis (previously known as UK NARIC) to check your qualification is at the right level and valid.
Proof of English proficiency
There are certain requirements that you have to fulfill to meet the criteria set for this visa type. To prove your proficiency, you can submit scores for a Secure English Language Test that has been pre-approved. For most overseas applicants, it is tested through IELTS and you have to pass the test to be able to apply for the High Potential Individual Route. The IELTS exam consists of reading, listening, speaking and writing components and the applicant is tested on their expertise of the English Language.
Proof of funds
In order to qualify for the Higher Potential Individual Route, it is important for you to show that you have enough money in your registered bank account that allows you to support yourself financially throughout your stay in the UK without any public assistance. This money is approximately equal to £1,270 at the date of application.
One of the things that most applicants are not aware of is, if the money is transferred within the week of the application date, it appears false to the visa providers. So, have that money saved in your account way before the application date. It is recommended to have the funds in your account at least 6 months in advance to avoid any chances of rejection. If the applicant is residing in the UK and is switching to this route via this application, it is not mandatory for them to show funds if the time they have spent in the UK has passed over 12 months.
Valid health insurance
Moreover, the High Potential Individual visa does not provide you with health insurance, so it is must for visa applicants to pay the healthcare surcharge – that is equal to £624 per year as long as you stay in the UK.
Alternative immigration routes
Remember, the High Potential Individual route does not provide a path to settlement. However, before the expiry of your leave, there is a process of applying for switching to another immigration route from within the UK which will probably lead to settlement.
The High Potential Individual visa and other work routes have a similar application process. There is a need of the submission of an online application by the applicant, then the payment of the relevant fee and provide the required supporting documents. It is necessary for applicants to attend an appointment to provide biometric information, including a scan of fingerprints and a photograph of their face.
There are three main elements that the applicant has to fulfill in order to qualify for the High Potential Individual Route. Firstly, verification of academic documents; secondly, proving their competency in the English Language; lastly, giving proof of financial support. Get in touch with an experienced US immigration attorney today to discuss your case in detail!
