The UK is a much sought-after destination among graduates from top universities around the world seeking to build a strong career in their field. However, securing a work visa can be a challenging task for young graduates who are at an early stage in their career and wish to pursue a successful career in the UK. The good news for international students is that the UK government has announced a new visa that will help graduates from top universities around the world secure a work visa in the UK
The UK government has announced that it will accept visa applications for the new High Potential Individual (HPI) visa from Monday. This visa has been designed to help international students who have graduated from a top global university in the past 5 years to secure a 2-year work permit in the UK. Here is what you need to know-
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
The new High Potential Individual (HPI) visa grants a 2-year work permit in the UK for graduate students and a 3-year work permit for doctoral-level students. The applicant may or may not have a job offer to be eligible for this visa. Additionally, you can have your visa extended by applying for a long-term employment visa given you meet the eligibility requirements.
Eligibility For an HPI Visa in the UK
To secure an HPI visa, you will be required to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Awarded a qualification from an eligible top university within the past 5 years from the date of your application.
- The list of eligible universities will vary depending on which year you have graduated. You can check the list of eligible universities for the previous 5 years on the UK government’s website.
- UK universities are exempted from this visa.
- Qualify for the same level as a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate or doctoral degree. You can check this through the Ecctis platform.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Bank statements to prove that you can support your stay in the UK.
Documents Needed to Apply For an HPI Visa
You will need the following documents to apply for an HPI visa-
- A valid passport to prove your nationality and identity.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Ecctis certification for your qualifications.
- Translated versions of your documents in case they are not in English or Welsh.
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online proof of your immigration status, if you’re switching to this visa from another visa.
- Tuberculosis test results if you are from a listed country.
Your Partner and Children
An HPI visa will allow your partner and children to join you during the period of your visa in the UK. The concerned individuals will have to apply separately and use your application number for reference. In the case of a successful application, they will be able to secure a visa ending on the same date as your HPI visa. These are the eligibility criteria you need to know:
The visa will allow your “dependents” to stay with you in the UK during the period of your visa. This category includes:
- your husband, wife, civil partner, or unmarried partner
- your child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during your stay
- your child over 18 if they’re currently in the UK as your dependant
How to Apply for an HPI Visa?
The applications for this Visa will be accepted through the online mode through the UK government portal.
You will have to either-
- have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application center – this is to get a biometric residence permit.
- use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document.
You will have to pay an application fee of £715, in addition to healthcare surcharges for availing of the NHS facilities, and an additional fee of £210 to Ecctis for verifying your qualifications. Once you have applied, submitted your documents, and completed the payment, you will receive the decision on your application within 3 weeks.
CampusTrail’s study in UK counselors helps you through all stages of the process, helping you find a scholarship, apply to the best universities based on your profile, secure a visa and even find accommodation and contacts with existing Indian students in the UK. Book a free one-to-one counseling session today!
