Top 4 UK Visa Options for Creative Professionals & Students

If you are a professional architect or a recent graduate aiming to build your career and settle in the UK, understanding the right visa options is essential.

Whether you are a seasoned expert, an emerging talent, or a recent graduate, the UK offers several visa pathways designed to fit your needs.

Here are the top four visa options that can help you live, work, or even job hunt in the UK:

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets you live in the UK for at least 2 years if you have been awarded a bachelor's or postgraduate degree, or 3 years if you have been awarded a PhD by an eligible university. You can work, job hunt, or start a business. To qualify, you need a degree from a top 50 global university earned within the last 5 years.

https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa

Global Talent Visa

With a Global Talent Visa, you can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. This application has two stages; initially, the endorsement application is submitted to the Arts Council England, followed by the visa application.

You can apply as a:

• Leader in your field (‘exceptional talent’).

• Potential leader (‘exceptional promise’).

The endorsement application submitted to Arts Council England will be assessed by RIBA. To qualify, you need:

• To show a track record in your field within the last 5 years.

• To produce internationally recognized work that RIBA deems ‘outstanding’.

• To prove your work is known in at least two countries if applying as a leader.

https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa lets you live and work in the UK through the sponsorship of your employer. To qualify, you need:

• A job offer from a company, which is registered as a licensed sponsor.

• To fulfil a genuine job vacancy.

• A ‘certificate of sponsorship’ (CoS) for an eligible role, which will be provided by your employer.

• To meet the minimum salary requirements for your job.

• You will also need to prove you can speak, read, write, and understand English at Level B1 on CEFR.

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Graduate Visa

The Graduate visa lets you stay in the UK for at least 2 years after being awarded a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in the UK, or 3 years if you have been awarded a PhD.

You can apply if:

• You are in the UK with a Student or Tier 4 visa.

• You have completed a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or a PhD, at a higher education provider with a track record compliance.

• Your university has notified the Home Office that you have successfully finished your course.

https://www.gov.uk/graduate-visa

For more detailed information on these visa types, please visit the provided gov.uk links.

If you have any specific questions or requests, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], and we will try to connect you with the appropriate legal expert.