A new High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route came into force on May 30, 2022, allowing graduates from highly regarded overseas universities to come to the UK to look for work or work without the need for formal sponsorship. Watford employers should take a look at the key requirements and benefits of the route.

The HPI route offers a short term work visa for graduates of top global universities in their early career. The route does not require formal sponsorship or a job offer to apply, so eligible applicants are permitted to accept work on an employed, freelance or self-employed basis in the UK.

Eligible applicants must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • have graduated from an overseas eligible university or higher education institution within the last five years
  • have at least a bachelor’s level degree
  • satisfy the English language requirement
  • meet the financial requirement

The HPI visa will grant successful applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree a two-year visa, while those with a PHD will be granted a three-year visa, subject to conditions of leave.

The route also allows for dependant partners and children to apply with or join the main applicant. The route permits in-country switching, so individuals, and any dependants, can consider alternative immigration routes prior to the expiry of their visas, should they wish to remain in the UK. Equally, individuals already in the UK on certain categories are permitted to switch into the HPI route. It does not lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain but acts as a ‘stepping stone’ into the UK workforce. The cost of the visa will be £715 and applicants will be subject to payment of the Immigration Health Surcharge.