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.

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.