A Guide to The New ‘High Potential Individual Visa’
A High Potential Individual also known as HPI visa is a new route that came into practice in May 2022. It gives you the permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. Now, there are requirements to be eligible for this and they are dependable on one’s degree level.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For advice on your immigration options call the expert London immigration lawyers at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.
What you need to know about this New Route?
The qualification must be at same level as:
- A UK bachelor’s degree
- A UK postgraduate degree
- A UK PhD or doctorate
You must also ensure before applying that your qualification was awarded in the last 5 years.
The duration process of this route:
A HPI visa as previously mentioned, will last for only 2 years. However, if you have acquired a PhD or any other doctoral qualification then in this instance it will last for 3 years.
The Financial Requirement:
It is mandatory that when making an HPI application you will need sufficient funds this would be to pay for:
- £715 for the Home Office application fee
- £624 for the healthcare surcharge that is required to be paid for each year that you are in the UK
- Lastly, when making the application it is vital that applicants from overseas establish that they have at least a certain amount of funds held in their bank accounts.
Can dependants accompany on a HPI visa?
When an applicant is making a HPI visa application, they are permitted to bring their partner and children who are under the ages of 18 to the UK with them, however it is essential to note the applicant’s partner and children will need to prove that they can support themselves while living in the UK.
Other eligibility criteria:
In order to see if you are eligible for a HPI visa you would need to ensure that you have proof of your knowledge of the English language and proof that you have a sufficient amount of personal savings to support yourself throughout your 2-year stay in the United Kingdom.
It is worth noting that it is not necessary for you to have a job offer to apply for a HPI visa, in addition there is an option as an individual to apply for inside or outside the UK. This gives you the flexibility and time as the HPI visa route allows you to look for an employment or be self-employed or even look for some voluntary work. You can also travel aboard and maybe also return to the UK, if you wished too.
However. there are certain things you cannot do on a HPI visa and that is to work as a professional sportsperson, you won’t be entitled to extend the HPI visa itself. Another thing you cannot do on a HPI visa is apply for public funds, this is also known as any benefits or State Pensions and lastly you also won’t be permitted to settled in the UK on a permanent basis.
A crucial point about the HPI visa is that you can only apply for it once.
UK Online and London-Based Immigration Solicitors
For more advice on High Potential Individual applications call the specialist immigration lawyers at OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or contact us online.