Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 2: For many skilled professionals in India, the UK remains an attractive destination for career growth, international exposure and long-term settlement. While the Skilled Worker visa remains the most widely known work route, it has recently become harder to access; the Global Talent (GT) and High Potential Individual (HPI) visas are now attracting attention. The Global Talent visa is designed for individuals who have exceptional ability or clear potential in academia, research, digital technology, arts and culture.
Mr Yash Dubal, Director at A Y & J Solicitors, a leading visa and immigration law firm in London, UK said, “Unlike the Skilled Worker route, it does not require employer sponsorship or a job offer. Holders can work for any employer, start a business or be self-employed, and the visa can be issued for up to five years with the option to renew. It can also lead to settlement after three or five years, subject to any future rule changes. The Labour Government has indicated that it intends to make the Global Talent Visa route simpler and more accessible, with fewer procedural hurdles and the possibility of reduced fees for top-tier applicants such as prize-winners.”
According to A Y & J Solicitors, the High Potential Individual visa is aimed at graduates from a list of top global universities who completed their studies within the past five years. The current list includes institutions in the United States, Singapore, Germany, Australia and China. The visa lasts two years for most applicants and three years for those with a PhD. The UK plans to double the number of high-skilled workers entering through the Global Talent and High Potential Individual routes to around 18,000 a year. The list of eligible HPI institutions is expected to expand and settlement routes for these visa holders are likely to become easier. The Government has also committed to boosting opportunities for research interns in areas such as artificial intelligence and to reviewing the Innovator Founder visa to support entrepreneurial graduates from UK universities.
For Indian professionals working in technology, engineering, finance, research and the creative industries, the situation is more nuanced. While some routes have narrowed, two important visa categories have become more accessible and are now actively being promoted by the UK Government: the Global Talent (GT) visa and the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.
Mr Dubal added, “These developments have not happened by accident. With the United States imposing stricter controls on highly skilled migrants, the UK sees an opportunity to position itself as a leading destination for global talent. Indian professionals, who already make up one of the largest groups of skilled workers in the UK, are central to this strategy.”
For those in India considering a move to Britain, the message is positive. Although the UK has tightened some parts of its immigration system, the routes aimed at highly skilled individuals—the Global Talent visa and the High Potential Individual visa—are becoming more flexible, more attractive and easier to navigate. Applicants may not need employer sponsorship, may have more freedom to work or start a business, and may find that the path to settlement becomes smoother. At a time when global opportunities for high-skill migration are narrowing, the UK is deliberately keeping the door open for talented individuals who want to build their future there.
Disclaimer: This article is for General informational purposes only. Immigration rules, eligibility criteria, government policies and visa regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. This content does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for professional consultation. Readers are advised to verify details from official government sources and seek advice from qualified immigration experts or legal professionals before making any decisions.
