The United Kingdom has rolled out plans to commence approval of a new visa programme that permits bachelor degree holders as well as masters and doctorate degree holders to travel to the UK.
The visa allows applicants to relocate to the UK without a prior job offer or sponsorship. It also permits applicants to work in fields such as science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The UK Minister for Safe and Legal Migration, Kevin Foster, disclosed that the High Potential Individual visa route is aimed at attracting high-skilled foreign universities graduates, who will be granted access to reside and work in the UK for two or three years.
He stated further that upon the expiration of the visa, the individuals can switch to “permits under the skilled worker, start up, innovator, exceptional talent, or scale up route” to enjoy continued stay in the UK.
The applicants are also required to have bagged a degree, equivalent to “not less than UK bachelor’s degree” before applying for the visa programme.
Applicants are additionally, required to show the equivalent of at least £1,270 in their bank account for a continuous 28-day period no later than 31 days proportional to making the High Potential Individual visa application.
However, some of the requirements have restrained those who may have graduated from Nigerian universities.
This visa policy requires prospective applicants to have graduated from the top 50 schools featured in the world university ranking.
It is however reported that no Nigerian university features among the top 50 universities in the latest reports of the three global university rankings acknowledged by the UK government.
The High Potential Individual visa application policy is expected to take effect from May 30.
