UK High Potential Individual Visa

UK HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL VISA

UK HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL VISA FOR STUDENTS FROM SWITZERLAND

The High Potential Individual Visa is designed for recent Swiss (and non-Swiss) graduates from top global universities who wish to work or seek employment in the UK.

While this visa does not directly lead to settlement in the UK, it allows for the possibility of switching to another visa category that does. Applicants can also be accompanied by their partner and dependent children.

Requirements for a High Potential Individual Visa as a Student from Switzerland

To qualify for a High Potential Individual visa as a Swiss student, or a student of another nationality, you must meet the following criteria:

Age: You must be 18 years or older.
Degree: Within the last 5 years, you must have earned a non-UK degree from an institution listed on the Global Universities List.
English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language skills equivalent to CEFR Level B1 (IELTS 4.0).
Financial Stability: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself without public assistance.
Previous Permissions: You must not have previously been granted permission under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme, as a Graduate, or as a High Potential Individual.

Requirements may vary based on individual circumstances. For personalised advice, consulting an immigration lawyer specialising in UK immigration law is recommended.

To discuss your UK High Potential Individual Visa application with one of our UK immigration lawyers in Switzerland, contact our immigration team on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.

Global Universities List and Degree Requirement for Students from Switzerland

Your degree must have been awarded within the last 5 years by an institution on the Global Universities List at the time of your graduation. This list includes universities ranked in the top 50 of at least two of the following:

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

You must obtain confirmation from Ecctis that your qualification meets or exceeds the UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree standard. Ecctis will also verify the date of your degree award.

If you hold an eligible UK degree, you may qualify for the Graduate Immigration Route instead.

English Language Requirement for Swiss (and non-Swiss) Students

As a student from Switzerland, you must demonstrate English proficiency to at least CEFR Level B1 in all four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. You can meet this requirement by:

Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
Passing a Secure English Language Test
Holding a degree taught in English
Having a GCSE/A Level or Scottish Highers in English obtained in the UK
Meeting the requirement in a previous successful visa application

Financial Requirement for Swiss (and non-Swiss) Students

Generally, you need at least £1,270 in cash funds, held for at least 28 consecutive days ending no more than 31 days before your visa application. If you have been in the UK for 12 months or more with valid permission, you do not need to show these funds.

Switching to the High Potential Individual Visa

If you hold a different type of leave to remain in the UK, you may switch to this visa unless you have, or were last granted, permission as a Visitor, Short-term student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, or under the Immigration Rules.

UK High Potential Individual Visa Duration and Conditions

The visa duration depends on your qualification:

PhD or other doctoral qualifications: 3 years
Other degree qualifications: 2 years

You are permitted to work (excluding as a professional sportsperson or coach) and study, except in courses requiring a Student visa. You cannot access public funds.

High Potential Individual Visa Extension and Settlement

The High Potential Individual Visa cannot be extended. However, you may switch to another visa category that leads to settlement, such as the Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder routes. For details on these routes and their requirements, visit our website.

Dependants

Visa holders can be joined by a dependent partner (over 18) and dependent children (under 18).

How Our UK Immigration Lawyers in Switzerland Can Help

Through the Swiss office of our UK immigration law firm, we are delighted to offer a comprehensive range of UK immigration legal services to Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) residing in Switzerland.

Our UK visa and immigration services encompass expert guidance on all UK visa routes for Swiss residents, along with a fully-managed UK visa application preparation service tailored for Swiss citizens (and non-Swiss citizens) in Switzerland.

Our experienced immigration lawyers assist Swiss (and non-Swiss) graduates from top global universities to live and work n the UK.

We provide expert guidance through the complexities of immigration rules to help you achieve your personal and career goals. We are dedicated to offering clear, reliable advice in a professional and friendly manner.

For more information or assistance, contact our UK immigration team in Switzerland on +41 21 588 07 70 or complete our enquiry form below.

WE CAN ALSO ASSIST WITH

Fresh applications, Administrative reviews and Judicial reviews for High Potential Individuals From Switzerland

If your application for entry clearance or leave to remain as a High Potential Individual has been refused, our immigration barristers can advise on the merits of making a fresh application or challenging the decision.

If the decision-maker failed to apply the Immigration Rules or Home Office policy correctly, we can bring Administrative Review proceedings to challenge the decision.

If the decision to refuse your application was unlawful, unreasonable or procedurally improper, our immigration barristers can apply for Judicial Review and provide representation at Judicial Review hearings.

Applications for UK Skilled Worker Visas by Swiss Citizens and non-Swiss Citizens

The Skilled Worker Visa is open to individuals of all nationalities (except British and Irish) who have an offer of an eligible skilled job in the UK from a Home Office-approved sponsor. The route can lead to settlement and applicants can be joined by dependent partners and children.

In order to qualify for a Skilled Worker Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

You are aged 18 or over;
You have a valid Certificate of Sponsorship for the job you are planning to do;
Your job offer is a genuine vacancy;
Your sponsor has paid any required Immigration Skills Charge;
Your job is at an appropriate skill level;
You are competent in the English language to at least CEFR Level B1 (equivalent to IELTS 4.0);
You will be paid a salary which equals or exceeds both a general salary threshold and the ‘going rate’ for the occupation;
You have enough money to support yourself without relying on public funds;
You have provided a criminal record certificate, if required; and
You have provided a valid TB certificate, if required.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Applications for UK Student Visas by Swiss Nationals and non-Swiss Nationals in Switzerland

The Student Visa category is for individuals who are aged 16 or over and who wish to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.

In order to qualify for a UK Student Visa you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

You are aged 16 or over;
You have been offered an unconditional place on an approved course with a licensed student sponsor;
You can read, write, speak and understand English to at least CEFR Level B2 (if studying at degree level or above) or CEFR Level B1 (if studying at below degree level);
You have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course without relying on public funds;
You have the consent of your parents if you are 16 or 17 years old.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Applications for UK Graduate Visas by Students from Switzerland

The Graduate Visa allows international students who have completed an eligible UK degree to stay in the UK to work, or look for work, for two years (three years for those being awarded doctorates) after they have completed their studies.

In order to qualify for a Graduate Visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration that:

You have successfully completed a UK degree, or other eligible course;
You have studied at a Higher Education Provider which is a student sponsor with a track record of compliance;
You have spent a minimum period of time studying in the UK;
You are applying from within the UK and have valid leave as a Student or Tier 4 Student at the date of application;
You have not previously held permission on the Doctorate Extension Scheme (DES), or the Graduate route;
You do not fall for refusal on grounds of suitability.

The exact requirements you will need to satisfy will vary depending on your circumstances. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.