UK’s New HPI Visa Route: Indians that have Studied Abroad are Eligible

Launch of the new UK visa route for graduates from leading non-UK global universities. No UK job offer required.

On Monday, May 30, 2022, the UK Government launched a new UK visa route for recent graduates of top global universities that intend to work - or look for work - in the UK, after having successfully completed an eligible course of study equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s Degree or above. To be eligible for the newly-launched High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route, the study must have been completed with an institution on the Global Universities List.

There is no requirement for sponsorship. Dependents (a partner and children) can be included. Not leading to UK settlement, the HPI route lets you stay in the UK for a minimum of two years. To meet the HPI eligibility, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible non-UK university within the previous five years. UK universities are not eligible.

How long can I stay in the UK on HPI visa status?

Permission to stay will be for a period as per the qualification of the applicant, acquired within the previous five years from an eligible university.

What is the cost to get a HPI visa for the UK?

The overall costs will depend on whether you are applying as a single applicant or with dependents. As per the UK Visas and Immigration, you - along with your partner or children - will each have to pay the application fee and healthcare surcharge. Enough personal savings will also have to be proved.

Per xe.com. 1 GBP = 97.9051 INR on May 31, 2022.

 How to apply for UK HPI visa?

Applications to be made online on the gov.uk website as per the specified form. An individual can apply from outside the UK or from within the UK.

What is the points requirement for HPI visa route?

A total of 70 points will have to be scored as per a set criteria.

Provided they are able to secure the required points, graduates from the world’s top non-Uk universities - including Indian students - can now come and work in the UK as a High Potential Individual.

Which global universities are eligible for the UK HPI route?

Published on May 6, 2022, the list of eligible universities includes top universities from across the world. Do note that the present list of universities relates to qualifications awarded between November 1, 2021 and October 31, 2022.

Note. Eligible universities must feature in the Top 50 rankings of at least two of the following:

• Times Higher Education World University Rankings,
• Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings, or
• The Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The new UK work visa category under the post-Brexit points-based immigration system is aimed at attracting the “best and brightest” to the UK from around the world, irrespective of their nationality.

According to Rishi Sunak, the first Indian-origin British politician to become the Chancellor of the Exchequer, “The route means that the UK will grow as a leading international hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.” Incidentally, Sunak received his MBA degree from Stanford University, US.