12 Nov New visa schemes will be launched in 2022
In July 2021, the UK Innovation Strategy announced plans for several new immigration routes which will be launched in 2022.
High Potential Individual visa
The new High Potential Individual visa is aimed at highly skilled and academically talented migrants from all over the world. It also plans to attract global innovators and entrepreneurs who wish to work and set up their business in the UK.
One of the most important requirements of the High Potential Individual scheme is for the migrant to have graduated from a top global university. The Home Office hasn’t published a list of top global universities yet. However, the definition of ‘top global university’ will likely be determined by reference to a specific league table for global universities, for instance:
- QS World University Rankings
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Round University Ranking
Under the new High Potential Individual visa scheme, migrants will not need to obtain a UK job offer in order to submit their application. This will be based on a more flexible approach allowing individuals to change jobs or employers and contribute to the UK’s economy.
Meanwhile, migrants will be able to extend their visa and settled in the UK if they meet the relevant requirements.
Scale-up visa
The new Scale-up visa will allow migrants to come to the UK with a highly skilled job offer from a qualifying scale up entity at the required salary level. For example, there will be a salary threshold of £33,000 per annum.
In order to qualify as a ‘Scale-up’, the business will have to demonstrate an annual average revenue or employment growth rate over three years greater than 20%, plus a minimum of 10 employees at the start of the three years period.
In addition, migrants will need to meet the English language requirement.
Please note that individuals will be able to change jobs and employers, and will be able to extend their visa and settle in the UK.
Global Business Mobility visa
The new Global Business Mobility visa intends to rebrand Intra-Company scheme and the Sole Representative route.
The new visa scheme will provide overseas businesses and innovative companies greater flexibility when establishing a UK branch/ subsidiary or transferring staff/workers to the UK. It will be much easier for overseas businesses to assign and manage migrant workers, including senior or specialist workers, graduate trainees, as well as UK expansion and secondment workers.
However, the new Global Business Mobility visa will likely require employers to sponsor the individuals under this scheme, and will likely use the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).
Contact Our Immigration Team
For expert advice regarding any aspect of the UK visa application, please contact our immigration team on 0203 384 3075.
