United Kingdom: High Potential Individual Visa Route Launch

Last Updated on February 13, 2023

The United Kingdom’s (UK) newest temporary immigration route, the High Potential Individual (HPI), will launch on 30 May 2022. This route will be open to international students who have completed a bachelor’s level degree or higher at a designated top global university within the past five years.  

Applicants of this route will not require a job offer at the time of application, allowing these foreign nationals more flexibility to work in the UK on a short-term basis. Due to its temporary nature, this route will not lead to permanent residency in the UK but will allow applicants to gain experience and create more recruitment options for UK companies. Applicants will have the ability to change status to another immigration route that can lead to long-term settlement in the UK. 

Status validity under this route will apply for a period of two years for applicants with a master’s degree or bachelor’s degree and for three years for applicants with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree. Extensions will not be available under this route.  Eligible applicants may also be accompanied by a partner or a dependent child.    

In preparation for the launch, Envoy has prepared a checklist detailing the requirements that must be met to qualify for this route.  


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Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. For additional information on the issues discussed, consult an attorney at one of the two U.S. Law Firms working with the Envoy Platform or another qualified professional. On non-U.S. immigration issues, consult an Envoy global immigration service provider or another qualified representative.