Graduates from the top 50 universities outside the UK can now apply for a new ‘high potential’ visa | Political news
Graduates from the top 50 universities abroad can apply to the UK through a new visa scheme.
The Government has said it hopes the “high potential individual pathway”, which kicked off on Monday, will attract “the brightest and best” at the start of their careers to work in the UK. .
Candidates with a successful bachelor’s or master’s degree will be granted a two-year work visa, while those with a doctorate can apply for a three-year visa.
They will then be able to “switch to another long-term work visa, if you meet the eligibility requirements”.
Graduates must be over 17 years old and have been awarded a degree – the UK equivalent of a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree – no more than five years before the date of application.
The visa scheme is understood to have no limit on numbers and applicants do not need to have a job offer in advance. Dependents will be allowed to accompany them.
Only graduates from the world’s top 50 universities outside the UK can apply.
The scheme is part of a series of visa offers aimed at attracting post-Brexit talent.
Universities must appear in the top 50 rankings of at least two of these lists: the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, or the World University Rankings. Academic Ranking of World Universities.
In the list published by the government, eligible universities from 2021 include 20 US institutions, as well as universities from Canada, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Germany, Australia, Singapore , France, Sweden and Switzerland.
The top five schools on the Times list are currently in the US: California Institute of Technology (CalTech), Harvard, Stanford, MIT and Princeton.
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Candidates must also pass security and criminal checks, and be able to speak, read, listen and write English at least B1 level (intermediate), which means they can communicate without It takes effort with native speakers.
The visa will cost £715 and successful applicants will have to pay an immigration medical surcharge to use the NHS.
Those applying must have a maintenance fund of at least £1,270.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “This new visa offer means the UK can continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world.
“This roadmap means the UK will develop as a leading international hub for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
“We want the businesses of tomorrow to be built here today, which is why I urge students to take advantage of this incredible opportunity to forge their careers here.”
