Can you move to the UK without the job offer or the company sponsoring you? the answer is yes, you absolutely can. With the high potential individual visa (HPI visa). So, if you are a graduate from a top university and desire to live and work in the UK, this visa is for you.
What is the high potential individual visa?
Think of HPI as the UK rolling out the red carpet for the world’s top graduates. With this visa, you don’t need a job offer or sponsorship. You just need to be a talented and ready to take on new opportunities. So, if you have a bachelor’s or master’s degree, this visa lets you stay in the UK for two years and with a PhD you can stay up to three years. And the best part is you can leave work or even study in the UK without the normal headache of finding a job first. And while this visa cannot be extended, it’s perfect starting point. You can switch to something like skilled Worker visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency. So, who can apply to be eligible for the HPI visa? Here is what you need. You must have a degree from the top 50 industries in the world, and to check if your university is on the list.
What can you actually do with an HPI visa?
You can work for any employer in the UK or even start your own business. You can study in the UK as long as the course doesn’t require a student visa. And yes, you can bring your partner, your spouse or children under 18 with you, but there are a couple of restrictions, you cannot access public funds like benefits or pensions. You can’t work as a professional sportsperson or a coach. You cannot extend this visa or apply for permanent residency directly. That said, you can switch to another visa category, such as skilled worker visa, which could then lead to permanent residency in the UK.
How can you apply for this?
It’s actually super simple. It’s all done online. Here is what you need to do.
1. Check if your university is on the approved list.
2. Whether your documents, your degree certificate, proof of fund and English language evidence if needed.
3. If your degree is from outside the UK. You need to apply for ECCTIS for verification.
4. Fill out the online form and pay the fees. Submit. And it’s all done.
How much does it cost?
- Here is what you need to know about the cost.
- Application fees is £822.
- Healthcare surcharge £1,035 per year. That’s 2074 two years and £3,105 for three years.
- If your degree needs verification, you will need to pay £210 to eek Tis or £252.
- If you are applying outside the UK. Don’t forget the savings. You will need at least £1,270 in your bank account to show you can support yourself.
Can your family join you?
Yes, they can. Your partner, spouse or children under 18 can apply as your dependents and they will need to show some savings and must pay for the health surcharge the same as yours and apply separately.
How long does it take if you are applying from outside the UK?
You will get a decision within three weeks approximately. And if you are applying in the UK switching visas it takes around eight weeks.
The high potential Individual visa is a simple, straightforward and perfect opportunity if you want to explore light in the UK without the hassle of needing a job offer first. If it sounds like your next big move. Contact any immigration solicitor for more details and start your application today.