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On Monday, Britain announced a new High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route, which will benefit graduates from the world’s top 50 non-UK universities, including India. The HPI visa allows students from these top universities to stay and work in the country.

According to this visa, selected candidates will get a minimum of a two-year work visa and a three-year work visa for Ph.D. holders, even if they do not have a job offer in the UK.

In a joint statement, Indian-origin UK cabinet ministers Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel stated that the new “exciting” visa aims to attract the “best and brightest” talent regardless of nationality. The UK government mentioned that this new visa is a part of a series of changes in the country’s immigration system after leaving the European Union (EU) and is based on the students’ skills and the contribution they can make, not from where they come. The UK government further mentioned that the new HPI visa route would encourage Engineering, Science, and Medical Research graduates from prestigious universities like Stanford, Harvard, and MIT to bring their skill sets to the UK.

The list of top 50 universities has been identified based on the rankings lists produced annually by QS, Times Higher Education, and the Academic Ranking of World Universities.

The must-knows of the HPI visa for Indian students:

What are the funds required for an HPI visa?

The new HPI visa route will cost around GBP 715 (Rs70,071). As per the report, interested candidates applying under this route need to have funds of at least GBP 1,270 (Rs1,24,462). Candidates will have the option to bring dependents or close family members.

What can and cannot be done with an HPI visa?

Candidates can work in most jobs, look for jobs, remain self-employed, and live in the UK with their partner and children (if eligible). They can also opt for voluntary work, travel abroad, and return to the UK.

Who can apply for an HPI visa?

Students who have graduated from the top 50 universities worldwide are eligible for the HPI visa.

When can you apply for an HPI visa?

If the course you have chosen is not eligible for a student visa, you can apply for an HPI visa to study that course. You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate to study or research sensitive topics.

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