High Potential Individual Visa

What is High Potential Individual Visa?

The High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) is a type of UK visa that is designed to attract individuals with exceptional talent and skills in various fields such as science, technology, engineering, and the arts. The visa is intended for individuals who have the potential to make significant contributions to the UK economy and society.

The HPIV is part of the UK’s Tier 1 visa system, which is aimed at attracting highly skilled and talented individuals to the country. The visa is open to non-EEA (European Economic Area) citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria, including having a proven track record of achievement in their field of expertise.

HPIV holders are allowed to work, study, and live in the UK for up to five years. They can also apply for permanent residency after five years of continuous residence in the UK.

The HPIV offers various benefits to successful applicants, including access to the UK job market, the ability to start a business in the UK, and the opportunity to bring family members to live with them in the UK. However, HPIV holders are also subject to certain obligations, including compliance with UK laws and regulations and reporting obligations.

High Potential Individual visa eligibilty requirements?

To be eligible for the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) in the UK, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Endorsement: Applicants must be endorsed by a UK endorsing body. These endorsing bodies include Tech Nation, The Royal Society, The British Academy, and The Arts Council. Each endorsing body has specific criteria for endorsement, so applicants must meet the criteria of the endorsing body in their field.
2. Exceptional Talent: Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their field, as evidenced by recognized international awards or prizes, publications in leading academic journals, or a proven track record of innovation in their field.
3. English Language Proficiency: Applicants must provide evidence of their ability to communicate effectively in English, either by taking an approved English language test or by providing other evidence of their English language proficiency.
4. Maintenance Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK. The amount required varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
5. Criminal Record: Applicants must not have a criminal record or pose a threat to national security.

It is also important to note that the HPIV is a points-based system, and applicants must score a minimum of 75 points to be eligible. Points are awarded based on the applicant’s endorsement, exceptional talent or promise, and maintenance funds.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

Successful HPIV applicants will be granted leave to remain in the UK for up to five years, during which time they can work, study, or start a business in the UK. After five years of continuous residence in the UK, HPIV holders may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (permanent residency).

What is the High Potential Individual visa graduate requirement?

There is no specific graduate requirement for the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) in the UK. However, applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their field, as evidenced by recognized international awards or prizes, publications in leading academic journals, or a proven track record of innovation in their field.

While a graduate degree may be helpful in demonstrating exceptional talent, it is not a requirement for the HPIV. Applicants can demonstrate exceptional talent in other ways, such as through significant contributions to their field or through recognition from their peers.

It is important to note that the HPIV is open to individuals at all stages of their career, from recent graduates to established professionals. As long as an applicant can demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in their field and meets the other eligibility requirements for the visa, they may be eligible to apply for the HPIV.

What universities are on the top-rated global universities list?

There are several organizations that produce rankings of top-rated global universities based on different criteria and methodologies. However, some of the most well-known and respected global university rankings include:

1. QS World University Rankings: This ranking system is produced by Quacquarelli Symonds and evaluates universities based on six indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, student-to-faculty ratio, international faculty ratio, and international student ratio.
2. Times Higher Education World University Rankings: This ranking system evaluates universities based on 13 indicators, including teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and industry income.
3. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): This ranking system is produced by ShanghaiRanking Consultancy and evaluates universities based on six indicators, including the number of alumni and staff who have won Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals, the number of highly cited researchers, and the number of articles published in Nature and Science.

Some of the universities that consistently rank highly across these rankings include:

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• ETH Zurich – Swiss Federal Institute of Technology
• University of Chicago
• University of California, Berkeley
• Imperial College London

It is important to note that rankings are just one factor to consider when choosing a university, and prospective students should also consider factors such as location, cost, and the specific programs and resources offered by each university.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

What is the High Potential Individual visa English language requirement?

The High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) in the UK requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in English. There are several ways that applicants can meet the English language requirement, including:

1. Taking an approved English language test: Applicants can take an approved English language test such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Pearson Test of English (PTE), or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) and score at least the minimum required score. The minimum scores required vary depending on the test and the level of the visa being applied for.
2. Providing evidence of previous English language study: Applicants may be able to meet the English language requirement by providing evidence that they have previously studied in English or that their previous degree was taught in English.
3. Nationality or residency: Applicants who are nationals of certain countries or who have previously lived in certain countries may be exempt from the English language requirement. The list of exempt countries and territories can be found on the UK government website.

It is important to note that the English language requirement for the HPIV is separate from the English language requirement for entry clearance, which applies to individuals who are not from a majority English-speaking country and are coming to the UK for a short-term visit or to study.

What is the High Potential Individual visa financial requirement?

To be eligible for the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) in the UK, applicants must demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK. The amount of funds required depends on the applicant’s circumstances, such as whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK, and whether they are applying as a main applicant or a dependant.

As of April 2023, the financial requirement for the HPIV is as follows:

1. Main applicant applying from outside the UK: The main applicant must have at least £945 in savings. This is in addition to the endorsement letter from a UK endorsing body.
2. Main applicant applying from inside the UK: The main applicant must have at least £1,270 in savings. This is in addition to the endorsement letter from a UK endorsing body.
3. Dependants: Dependents must have at least £630 in savings each if applying from outside the UK, or £845 in savings each if applying from inside the UK.

It is important to note that the funds must have been held for a consecutive 90-day period before the date of the application. The funds can be held in any form, such as in a personal bank account or a joint account with a spouse or partner. Applicants may also be able to rely on funds from a third party, such as a parent or sponsor, as long as they provide evidence that the funds are available and will be available to them during their stay in the UK.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

It is recommended that applicants seek professional advice or consult the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information on the financial requirement for the HPIV.

How to apply for the High Potential Individual visa

To apply for the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) in the UK, applicants must follow these steps:

1. Secure an endorsement: The first step in applying for the HPIV is to secure an endorsement from a UK endorsing body. The endorsing body must be on the list of approved endorsing bodies provided by the UK government. The endorsing body will assess the applicant’s skills, abilities, and achievements to determine whether they meet the eligibility criteria for the visa. If the applicant is endorsed, they will be issued an endorsement letter that they can use to apply for the visa.
2. Gather supporting documents: Applicants must gather the necessary supporting documents to submit with their application. This may include evidence of their qualifications, English language ability, finances, and their endorsement letter from a UK endorsing body.
3. Complete the online application: Applicants must complete the online application form on the UK government website. They will be required to provide personal information, their endorsement letter from a UK endorsing body, and their supporting documents.
4. Pay the application fee: Applicants must pay the application fee, which varies depending on the length of the visa and whether they are applying from inside or outside the UK.
5. Attend a biometric appointment: Applicants will be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide their fingerprints and a photograph.
6. Wait for a decision: After submitting their application and attending the biometric appointment, applicants must wait for a decision on their visa application. The processing time for the HPIV varies, but it typically takes around three weeks.

It is important to note that the application process may differ slightly depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. It is recommended that applicants seek professional advice or consult the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply for the HPIV.

How much does a High Potential Individual visa application cost?

The cost of a High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) application varies depending on the length of the visa and whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside the UK. As of April 2023, the fees for the HPIV are as follows:

Main applicant applying from outside the UK:

• Visa for up to 3 years: £1,277
• Visa for up to 5 years: £1,277
• Visa for up to 5 years as a graduate: £1,277

Main applicant applying from inside the UK:

• Visa for up to 3 years: £1,033
• Visa for up to 5 years: £1,033
• Visa for up to 5 years as a graduate: £1,033

Dependants:

• Dependant of a main applicant applying for up to 3 years: £1,277 each
• Dependant of a main applicant applying for up to 5 years: £1,277 each
• Dependant of a main applicant applying for up to 5 years as a graduate: £1,277 each

It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and applicants should check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information on the cost of the HPIV application. Additionally, applicants may also be required to pay additional fees for biometric enrolment and healthcare surcharge, depending on their individual circumstances.

How long does a High Potential Individual visa application take to process?

The processing time for a High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) application can vary depending on a range of factors, such as the volume of applications being processed at the time of the application and the complexity of the application. However, as of April 2023, the UK government has provided the following processing times for the HPIV:

• Applications from outside the UK: The processing time for HPIV applications from outside the UK is usually around 3 weeks.
• Applications from inside the UK: The processing time for HPIV applications from inside the UK is usually around 8 weeks.

It’s important to note that these are only approximate processing times and some applications may take longer than usual to process. Additionally, the processing time can also be affected by other factors, such as incomplete or incorrect application forms or supporting documents, which can delay the processing time of the application.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

It’s always a good idea for applicants to submit their application as soon as possible and to ensure that they have provided all the necessary supporting documents and information to avoid any unnecessary delays in the processing of their application.

How long does the High Potential Individual visa last?

The High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) can be granted for up to a maximum of 5 years. The length of the visa granted will depend on the endorsing body’s recommendation and the applicant’s circumstances.

If an applicant is granted a visa for less than 5 years, they may be able to extend their visa, provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements for the HPIV.

It’s important to note that the HPIV is a temporary visa and does not lead to settlement in the UK. However, it may be possible for individuals to switch to another visa category, such as the Innovator Visa or Global Talent Visa, which could lead to settlement in the UK if they meet the eligibility criteria for those visas.

Can you apply to extend a High Potential Individual visa?

Yes, it is possible to apply to extend a High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) as long as the applicant continues to meet the eligibility requirements for the visa.

The extension application must be made before the current visa expires, and the applicant will need to provide evidence to demonstrate that they continue to meet the requirements of the HPIV. The endorsing body that provided the initial endorsement will need to be re-consulted and provide a new endorsement for the extension application.

The length of the extension will depend on the length of the initial visa and the endorsement provided by the endorsing body. If an applicant is granted an extension, they may be able to stay in the UK for up to a maximum of 5 years on the HPIV.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

It’s important to note that there are additional requirements that applicants will need to meet when applying for an extension of the HPIV, and they should consult the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information on the extension application process and requirements.

Does the High Potential Individual visa lead to settlement in the UK?

No, the High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. However, individuals who are on the HPIV may be able to switch to other visa categories that could lead to settlement in the UK, such as the Innovator Visa or Global Talent Visa.

If an individual on the HPIV wishes to settle in the UK, they would need to meet the eligibility requirements for the relevant settlement visa category and apply for settlement in the UK separately.

It’s important to note that there are several factors that may affect an individual’s eligibility to settle in the UK, such as their length of stay, their immigration history, and their compliance with the UK immigration rules. Therefore, individuals should seek professional advice and consult the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information on the settlement visa category requirements and application process.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

Conclusion

The High Potential Individual Visa (HPIV) is a valuable immigration route for individuals who hold a UK Bachelor’s degree or higher, as well as those who have a job offer from a UK employer. The HPIV offers a great opportunity for highly skilled individuals to work and live in the UK, and can be a pathway to securing a qualifying job and achieving a higher immigration status.

To qualify for the HPIV, individuals must meet strict eligibility requirements, including having enough personal savings and holding a Bachelor’s degree or doctoral level qualification from a UK university or qualifying university on the global universities list. They must also submit their application at the nearest visa application center and have a successful HPIV visa application.

The HPIV is a valuable addition to the UK’s visa system, and it offers a significant opportunity for individuals to advance their career in the UK. The visa category is designed to attract top talent from around the world, and it provides a pathway for highly skilled individuals to live and work in the UK for up to five years.

Overall, the HPIV is a highly selective and competitive visa category, but it can be a rewarding option for those who meet the eligibility criteria. As a result, the HPIV is a great choice for those who are looking to pursue their career goals in the UK and who are willing to invest in their future.

Frequently asked questions

[faq-schema id=”167148″]