The High Potential Visa for Global Graduates offers an opportunity for recent alumni from renowned worldwide universities to seek employment or employment opportunities within the UK.

While the High Potential route doesn’t provide a direct path to UK residency, it does offer a potential switch to another immigration avenue leading to permanent residency before the visa’s expiration. This visa also allows the inclusion of partners and dependent children for the applicants.

Criteria for the High Potential Visa for Global Graduates
For eligibility for the High Potential Visa, applicants must ensure they meet the criteria set by the UK Visas and Immigration:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Within the past 5 years, you should have secured an international degree from a university featured on the Global Universities List.
• Proficiency in English is required, equivalent to at least CEFR Level B1 (akin to IELTS 4.0).
• Sufficient funds for self-sustainment without resorting to public aids.
• No prior permissions under Student Doctorate Extension Scheme, as a Graduate or High Potential Individual.
• A valid TB certificate, if applicable.
  Depending on individual circumstances, some requirements may differ. Seeking guidance from an immigration solicitor is advisable.

For discussions concerning your High Potential Visa application, please reach out to our dedicated team at Highwood Solicitors on +44 (0) 1206523714 or use the Online form .

Global Universities List Criteria
For a successful High Potential Visa application, you must have acquired an international degree.

This degree should have been conferred within the last 5 years leading up to your application date, by a university featured on the annual Global Universities List. This list, presented by the Home Office, includes universities ranked in the top 50 of at least two of these rankings:

• Times Higher Education World University Rankings
• Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings
• The Academic Ranking of World Universities

Past Global Universities Lists are accessible for reference. Ensure you refer to the list from the period of your degree award.

Ecctis will verify your qualification’s equivalence to UK academic standards and confirm your degree’s award date. If you’re an international student with a relevant UK degree, the Graduate Immigration Route might be more suitable.

English Proficiency for High Potential Visa
To qualify, showcase your English skills across all areas – reading, writing, speaking, and listening, at least to B1 level.

Applicants satisfy the English requirement if they:

• Belong to a primarily English-speaking nation.
• Successfully complete a Secure English Language Test.
• Possess a degree taught in English.
• Secured a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English from a UK school.
• Have previously satisfied the B1 level in a successful visa application.

Financial Criteria for High Potential Visa
Excluding certain exemptions, you should maintain cash reserves of at least £1,270.

This amount should have been consistent for 28 days, ending no later than 31 days before your application date. Applicants in the UK for over a year at the application date will not need to prove these funds.

Transitioning to the High Potential Visa Route
If you’re currently on a different immigration status, you might be eligible to transition to the High Potential route, barring certain exclusions.

High Potential Visa Duration
Your visa duration is determined by your qualification:

• Doctoral level: 3 years
• Other qualifications: 2 years

Terms of Stay for High Potential Visa Holders
Once approved, you’re permitted to work (except as a sports professional), volunteer, and undertake non-Student route studies. Public fund access is restricted.

Extending the High Potential Visa
Extensions are not available, but switches to other immigration routes are possible upon meeting their criteria.

Settlement via the High Potential Visa
Direct UK settlement isn’t achievable, but other routes may provide this. Details of possible routes are available on our website. Extensions based on Long Residence might also be viable.

Dependents of High Potential Visa Applicants
The main applicant can be accompanied by a partner (over 18) and children (below 18).

How Highwood Solicitors Can Assist
Our skilled team at Highwood Solicitors is adept at guiding global graduates to their UK ambitions. With a client-first approach, we navigate the intricate immigration regulations to ensure you achieve your goals. Our solicitors are not just experts but also dedicated to delivering precise and dependable advice with a touch of warmth and professionalism.