High Potential Individual

Herrington Carmichael is a full service law firm offering legal advice to UK and international businesses as well as individuals and families.
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High Potential Individual

The High Potential Individual visa is an exciting category designed to enable those who have been awarded a degree level qualification from an institution on the Global Universities List within the last 5 years to come to the UK.

This route allows applicants to bring their dependant partner and children with them, subject to meeting requirements. Applicants can live and work in the UK without needing to be sponsored for a period of 2 or 3 years, depending on the circumstances. This route does not lead directly to settlement in the UK. However, after this initial period, applicants can switch to an alternative visa category should they wish to remain in the UK.

How we can help

We have extensive experience of preparing successful High Potential Individual visa applications on behalf of our clients. We pride ourselves on the presentation of our applications to the Home Office. You can be assured that your application process will be managed in a professional and organised manner.

Key contact

Usof Shah PNG
Usof Shah
Legal Director

What our clients say about us

We were very impressed with the service provided by Herrington Carmichael. Michelle & Siddhartha were highly responsive and provided clear, professional advice throughout the process of our director's loan conversion. Their support with our company secretarial requirements was excellent, and we would highly recommend their services.

We needed urgent assistance and you delivered way beyond expectations. Really appreciate you, Chris, Sophie and Samuel, and all your teams effort.

I would highly recommend using the services of Samuel and the Herrington Carmichael Team. The expertise was consistent from my initial contact through to completion. Working against time constraints, the communication, responsiveness and due diligence from Samuel was first class.

We appointed Herrington Carmichael to act for us in the sale of our Chartered Financial Planning business. From the outset, we were impressed with Alex and Lucinda's professionalism. This impression was backed up by helpful and knowledgeable support from them and their team throughout the sale process. All aspects of the sale discussions were dealt with carefully and efficiently, resulting in a satisfactory outcome for us as sellers.

Joel and his team are an absolute pleasure to work with. From day one to completion, they were totally engaged in the sale process to ensure the best possible outcome for us as individuals. Their wise counsel throughout the process was invaluable, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.

I have worked with Joel and his team on two acquisitions, on both occasions he has been professional, knowledgeable and approachable. He is able to explain the process in layman’s terms, clearly differentiating between the preferred and essential in contract negotiations. I wouldn’t hesitate to use or recommend Joel's services again.

I recently completed the sale of my business. Herrington Carmichael acted on my behalf, and my contact was Joel Gocool. Joel and his team were magnificent. I had one point of contact throughout the process, which made everything much easier. Joel was very easy to get on with, attentive, and promptly answered questions or queries. The advice I received was balanced, and Joel helped me to navigate my way through the warranties and indemnities, making the journey as easy as possible for me. I would like to thank him and his team for their very professional assistance throughout and would not hesitate to recommend the Firm to other business owners.

This was the first time we had worked with Herrington Carmichael, and we were extremely happy with our experience. We found Joel to be helpful, always on time for meetings, flexible and his legal knowledge was very good. We completed on a very tight schedule and Joel addressed all the key issues to make this happen. Joel is very easy to get on with and a pleasure to work with. We would strongly recommend him and highly recommend the firm to others.

I would like to express my thanks to Harry Winkley, Joel Gocool and the team at Herrington Carmichael for their pro-active approach in our recent acquisition to the Surelock McGill Group of companies. A smooth transition working closely and professional within our set parameters, also within predicted budget. Many Thanks to the full team at HC.

I recently sold my business. I was advised to use HC as they have experience in selling financial advisory companies. I have been delighted with the work that they did. They were thorough and quick to engage, and from a cost perspective, they met the quote that they had given at the outset. Most importantly, it was imperative that, with a relatively short window to operate in, we got the deal over the line before the new tax year... we completed on the 31st March. I am so pleased with all Joel and Dylan have done and would recommend HC highly.

We recently worked with Joel Gocool and Dylan Cutifani on the successful completion of our Management Buyout (MBO). Throughout the process, they provided clear advice and guided us confidently through what was a complex process. Their attention to detail, commercial understanding, and responsiveness helped ensure the deal progressed smoothly and efficiently. We particularly valued their ability to explain legal matters in straightforward terms and their proactive approach to resolving issues that arose. We would have no hesitation in recommending Joel or Dylan to any business considering an MBO.

I cannot thank Joel, Dylan and the wider Herrington Carmichael team enough for their outstanding support throughout the sale of my shares. What should have been a straightforward transaction became far more complex and protracted than anyone anticipated, with numerous delays and challenges along the way. Throughout the process, Joel and Dylan remained calm, professional, responsive and completely committed to achieving the best possible outcome for me. They provided clear, practical advice, kept me informed at every stage and worked tirelessly to keep the transaction moving forward despite repeated obstacles. Their attention to detail, persistence and ability to navigate difficult negotiations gave me complete confidence that my interests were being protected at all times.

Beyond their legal expertise, what stood out most was their genuine support. This was a stressful and emotionally draining transaction, and there were times when I felt like giving up. Joel and Dylan were always there to provide reassurance, explain the next steps and ensure I never felt that I was facing the process alone. I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, dedication and perseverance in bringing the transaction to a successful conclusion. I would have no hesitation in recommending Joel, Dylan and Herrington Carmichael to anyone looking for solicitors who combine exceptional legal expertise with outstanding client care.

Joel and the team at HC provided exceptional support throughout what was a complex and high-value transaction. Their calm, pragmatic approach and commercial understanding gave me confidence at every stage of the process. Joel’s communication was clear and consistent, and he was always there to support me and reassure me at all hours and he always made sure my priorities were fully protected while maintaining momentum to completion.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Joel and HC to anyone seeking experienced, commercially minded legal support for an investment process or business sale.

Alex Canham and Joel Gocool are a delight to deal with and form a highly efficient team. They have gone the extra mile in our negotiations.

I recently used Herrington Carmichael Solicitors for the sale of a house and was very impressed with the service. This is the second time I’ve used them, and once again the team were polite, efficient, and kept me well informed throughout the whole process. Communication was clear and timely, which made everything run smoothly and stress-free. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and professional solicitors.

Over the period Oct. to Dec.’25, Herrington-Carmichael supported us with regard to the closure of an employer-managed pension scheme. Mark Chapman provided excellent guidance and documentation to ensure that the overall project was correctly completed in the required time-frame. I would not hesitate to recommend Herrington-Carmichael as a partner to provide support with any legal matters.

I have had the pleasure of working with Liz on several complex property purchases, including overseas-based companies and legal opinions, commercial leases analysis, building contracts assignments and collateral warranties. On each occasion, Liz has acted promptly, kept me appraised of the progress and demonstrated excellent commercial awareness and professionalism in dealing with clients’ solicitors. I have no hesitation in recommending Liz for all property-related legal matters.

Their expertise has been invaluable to us as landlords for all sorts of disputes and lease extensions, which can be a minefield. These matters are always dealt with extremely well. It is hard not to praise them too highly, to be honest, as in all of my dealings, I can say that I have always had a very positive outcome.

The real estate team at Herrington Carmichael has expertise in advising on development work, including acting for lenders in the development sector, working with banking institutions, undertaking agricultural matters and advising on leasehold and enfranchisement issues.

The team at Herrington Carmichael are responsive and reliable and provides an exceptional service to us. There is a strong level of ownership from the team, and they go the extra mile to ensure that there is a thorough examination of each transaction and that our interests are always protected.

The Real Estate team at Herrington Carmichael delivered their expertise in a pragmatic and commercial way, maintaining a professional and responsive approach throughout. They provided clear, commercially informed guidance and took a highly structured approach to coordinating the requirements of the transaction and our development strategy. I extend my sincere appreciation to Liz and her team for their sustained commitment to excellence and for their invaluable support in bringing this project to a successful exchange for Storage King. We are pleased to regard you as a trusted and valuable part of our professional team.

I have worked with Herrington Carmichael and Liz Hailey for many years. The recent purchase of a development site for a new home was particularly complicated, involving complex title issues on a large multi-use site, planning considerations, development agreements, easements, collateral warranties and guarantees.......Thank you to all the team at HC for your continued excellence and your support in concluding these exciting new projects for DMP...

The Real Estate team at Herrington Carmichael were excellent in dealing with this transaction; they delivered their expertise in a pragmatic and commercial way, maintaining a professional and responsive approach throughout. They provided clear, commercially informed guidance, and took a highly structured approach to coordinating the requirements of our lender, the transaction as a whole and our development strategy. I'd like to thank Liz and the team for all their support in helping the Chartwell Group successfully complete the transaction. We really appreciated their guidance and look forward to working with them again in the future.

I cannot thank your dispute resolution team enough for all your help. Once again, it was a pleasure dealing with you and should we ever have the misfortune to have to use your services, I would be very confident making that choice.

The firm has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is able to handle all types of issues that I have presented to them. They are easy to contact, and you certainly feel looked after and that you are in capable hands.

Stephen Baker is an experienced and commercially astute litigator who is dedicated to the interests of his clients and has the ability to deal with the most demanding and difficult of clients while still retaining a cheerful and engaged demeanour.

This practice stands out not just for the quality of legal advice, but for its responsiveness, consistency, and ability to build lasting relationships.

What truly sets them apart is their commitment to collaboration and innovation. They not only provide expert legal guidance but also take the initiative to educate our members on the latest legal developments, demonstrating a proactive investment in their clients' success.

Working with the team at Herrington Carmichael makes it easy for me to do my job, knowing that I am working with a trusted and reliable partner who has taken the time to understand my business. The team are responsive and communicate clearly at all times, and I know the work will be done right, with my business interests at the forefront of their considerations.

The partner in charge, Mark Chapman, was exceptional. Our issues were unique and we had to change direction several times, but the team always responded well, bringing in the new specialist skills as needed. I think that is the standout quality; adaptability.

The advice and guidance provided to us by the corporate and commercial team at Herrington Carmichael has proved invaluable over the past few years. The team work closely together to provide a consistently high standard of work and sound legal advice. They are available when we need them, exceptionally knowledgeable and approachable. Knowing our company so well, they can provide high-quality legal advice that is suitably tailored to our commercial needs and risk appetite.

My experience of working with Cesare and his team has been a pleasure, the advice was clear, precise and commercially astute and the draft contracts etc were delivered to a very tight programme. We appreciated the attention to detail whilst always being mindful of the agreed budget.

Working with Cesare and the team at Herrington Carmichael on a recent commercial contract has been a very positive experience for us at Ecrebo. The team were professional, knowledgeable and able to pick up on specific nuances relative to our business very quickly. We are pleased with the end result and would recommend the team at HC.

Mark and the team at Herrington Carmichael guided us through a period of high complexity and ambiguity at launch. They simplified our situation, offering clear and straightforward advice, which has laid the foundation for our growth. I would recommend the team to anyone seeking advice on cross-border commerce.

We’ve had an outstanding experience working with Herrington Carmichael who have been instrumental in helping our business protect its registered trade marks. From day one, they demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of brand protection and took a thorough, strategic, and practical approach to securing our intellectual property

Mark, Edie, and the team were excellent throughout our software company demerger. At the outset, the scope of work was not entirely clear, but they took the time to explain the legal aspects of the process and provided a clear shopping list of the documents that might be needed, together with quotes for each item. This helped us understand the importance and cost of each piece of work and decide what to prioritise and in what order. They then supported us with key documentation, including a new EULA for one of the newly created company's products and novation agreements to transfer customers and suppliers to the new entities. Their advice was clear, practical, and commercially focused throughout, and they handled the whole process with professionalism and efficiency. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

Excellent level of service provided by Alex, Joel and the team. Our sale was not particularly straightforward, quality advice provided in a timely manner. I am not sure we could have completed our sale without them. Would highly recommend!

A big thank you to Alex and his team in particular Melissa who worked diligently and at all times looked to serve our best interests. They were constantly available to provide reassuring advice through a sometimes difficult transaction and fraught period. Despite the tight deadlines and significant workload I was delighted with their performance.

We have worked with Alex Canham and Melissa Deutrom at Herrington Carmichael on two separate acquisitions together with numerous general corporate activities. We have always found them to be highly responsive, timely and accurate. We would definitely recommend them to other financial services companies like ours.

Ed manages to combine the legal and practical aspects of a disposal with consummate ease and it certainly makes my life a lot easier knowing that he is dealing with the legals on my behalf!

Both Alex Canham and Edward Beedham provide clear advice and are very responsive which is invaluable when dealing with time pressured situations.

We were very impressed with the service provided by Herrington Carmichael. Michelle & Siddhartha were highly responsive and provided clear, professional advice throughout the process of our director's loan conversion. Their support with our company secretarial requirements was excellent, and we would highly recommend their services.

We have been with Herrington Carmichael for many years and we always receive excellent and timely advice, as well as all the practical support necessary to run our small limited management company efficiently. Charges are clear and reasonable. It’s always easy to communicate and replies are swift and helpful. Named individuals take a personal interest.

Mimosa Court Residents Company Limited

Having worked closely with Yavan and the team for several years now, this re-finance project was particularly important for Futura – allowing us to continue with our steep growth trajectory without compromising our focus on service excellence and continual improvement. In such a fast-paced environment, it is essential for us to work with key strategic partners like Herrington Carmichael, who have a deep understanding of our business, people and aspirations.

We instructed the banking team at Herrington Carmichael on a complex and difficult banking transaction with a tight turnaround. Yavan and Chris met the challenge and they helped us to understand the key sticking and contentious points with great clarity, and simplified the process for us. Chris and Yavan had a consistent focus on our end goal throughout, and worked hard to help us achieve it. It has been a real pleasure working with them, and I would not hesitate to recommend them!

Yavan and team supported us through the process ensuring we had the right level of guidance and regulatory control for every decision through this process, we felt fully supported and couldn’t have achieved the outcome without them.

We appointed Herrington Carmichael to act for us in the sale of our Chartered Financial Planning business. From the outset we were impressed with Alex and Lucinda's professionalism. This impression was backed up by helpful and knowledgeable support from them and their team throughout the sale process. All aspects of the sale discussions were dealt with carefully and efficiently resulting in a satisfactory outcome for us as sellers.

We would like to express my thanks for the work carried out by Alex, Lucinda and the entire team at Herrington Carmichael during a recent transaction.....Their clear communication, thoroughness, and proactive approach ensured the transaction was completed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. It was a pleasure working with them. They went above and beyond to safeguard our interests and provide clear guidance. We felt supported at all times, thanks to their commitment and expertise. Based on our experience, we would have no hesitation in recommending Alex, Lucinda and the entire team at Herrington Carmichael to others seeking a reliable, knowledgeable, and dedicated legal resource.

Client

First class service, with great communications all along, I liked the way the DD report came in under a traffic light style format to highlight those higher risk areas, and when the pressure was on at the very end, Beth and Chris went above and beyond to make sure this one could happen on Tuesday. We (well, Chris and Beth) got it over the line by lunchtime on Tuesday. Thank you once again, Team Herrington, for the professional, human, and reassuring approach.

Simon Arnold
Finance Director, Grundon Waste Management Ltd
The firm has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is able to handle all types of issues that I have presented to them. They are easy to contact and you certainly feel looked after and that you are in capable hands.

Insights

Get valuable insights from our articles.

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Meet our experts

Dedicated professionals ready to assist you.

Yavan-Brar-PNG
Yavan Brar
Chief Executive Officer
Alex Canham PNG
Alex Canham
Managing Partner, Head of Corporate
Mark Chapman PNG
Mark Chapman
General Counsel, Head of Commercial & Regulatory
Dean Snowley PNG
Dean Snowley
COO, Head of Consumer Services
Paul Wild PNG
Paul Wild
Partner, Head of Family
Alistair McArthur PNG
Alistair McArthur
Partner, Head of Employment
Liz Hailey PNG
Liz Hailey
Partner, Head of Real Estate
Annari Holmes PNG
Annari Holmes
Partner, Head of New Build
Stephen Baker PNG
Stephen Baker
Partner, Head of Dispute Resolution
Charlotte Drury-Woods PNG
Charlotte Drury-Woods
Partner, Head of Private Wealth & Inheritance
Edward Jones PNG
Edward Jones
Partner
Darren-Smith
Darren Smith
Partner
Graeme Black PNG
Graeme Black
Partner
Matt Jenkin PNG
Matt Jenkin
Partner
Jamie-Lynch-PNG
Jamie Lynch
Partner
Cesare McArdle PNG
Cesare McArdle
Partner
Tim-Hardesty-PNG
Tim Hardesty
Partner
Rachel Duncan PNG
Rachel Duncan
Partner
Chris-Gemson-PNG
Chris Gemson
Partner
mellisa v2
Frankie Tierney
Partner
Sarah Speed PNG
Sarah Speed
Partner
mellisa v2
Hayley Moore
Legal Director
Joel-Gocool-PNG
Joel Gocool
Legal Director
Hannah King PNG
Hannah King
Legal Director
Usof Shah PNG
Usof Shah
Legal Director
Nicole Miller PNG
Nicole Miller
Legal Director
mellisa v2
Melissa Deutrom
Legal Director
Christine Tretzmueller-Szauer PNG
Christine Tretzmueller-Szauer
Legal Director
Mike Pollard PNG
Mike Pollard
Legal Director
mellisa v2
Claire McSorley
Legal Director
Anna Svensson PNG
Anna Svensson
Senior Solicitor
Ed Beedham PNG
Edward Beedham
Senior Solicitor
Alex-Harper-PNG
Alex Harper
Senior Solicitor
Sophie Protheroe PNG
Sophie Protheroe
Senior Solicitor
Aadil Khan PNG
Aadil Khan
Senior Solicitor
mellisa v2
Roisin Pinkney
Senior Solicitor
Sam Gray PNG
Samuel Gray
Senior Solicitor
mellisa v2
Zoe Godlement
Senior Solicitor
Tom-Hyatt-PNG
Tom Hyatt
Senior Solicitor
James Musallam PNG
James Musallam
Senior Solicitor
Jed Temple PNG
Jed Temple
Senior Solicitor
Rosanna Leist PNG
Rosanna Leist
Senior Solicitor
Oliver Williams PNG
Oliver Williams
Solicitor
Francesca Falzarano PNG
Francesca Falzarano
Solicitor
Sam French PNG
Samuel French
Solicitor
Harriet Page PNG
Harriet Page
Solicitor
Esther Michael-John PNG
Esther Michael-John
Solicitor
Charlotte Keeper PNG
Charlotte Keeper
Solicitor
Sarah-Jervis-PNG
Sarah Jervis
Solicitor
Maryam Nackvi PNG
Maryam Nackvi
Solicitor
mellisa v2
Katherine Bridge
Solicitor
Cassie Blackledge PNG
Cassie Blackledge
Solicitor
mellisa v2
Hannah Clouting
Solicitor
Shen
Shennind Awat-Ranai
Solicitor
Florrie-Aylward-PNG
Florrie Aylward
Solicitor
Lucinda-Cameron-PNG
Lucinda Cameron
Solicitor
mellisa v2
Isabella Milnes-James
Solicitor
Jo Boxhall PNG
Jo Boxhall
Solicitor
Chloe-Santer-PNG2
Chloe Santer
Solicitor
Dylan Cutifani PNG
Dylan Cutifani
Solicitor
mellisa v2
Victoria Wootton
Solicitor
Piers Galton-Becque PNG
Piers Galton-Becque
Solicitor
Arnab-PNG
Arnab Ray Chaudhuri
Solicitor
Thomas-Joucan-PNG
Thomas Joucan
Solicitor
Jessica-McDonald PNG
Jessica McDonald
Solicitor
Adrian Au PNG
Adrian Au
Solicitor
Rhian Hazeldene PNG
Rhian Hazeldene
Solicitor
Daniel Leitao PNG
Daniel Leitao
Solicitor
Amery Harilal PNG
Amery Harilal
Solicitor
Bea Ildem PNG
Bea Ildem
Solicitor
Harry Winkley PNG
Harry Winkley
Solicitor
Sophie Darwish PNG
Sophie Darwish
Solicitor
Steph Collins PNG
Steph Collins
CILEX Lawyer
Maisie Williams PNG
Maisie Williams
Solicitor
Alexandra Hawkes PNG
Alexandra Hawkes
Solicitor, Family
mellisa v2
Edie Courtie
Trainee Solicitor
Bethany-Goodhew PNG
Bethany Goodhew
Solicitor, Corporate
Kate Hooper PNG
Kate Hooper
Senior Apprentice Solicitor
Charles Steward PNG
Charlie Steward
Trainee Solicitor
Lilli Colbourn PNG
Lili Colbourn
Trainee Solicitor
Phoebe Tomkins PNG
Phoebe Tomkins
Trainee Solicitor
Ellan Skeet PNG
Ellan Skeet
Apprentice Solicitor
Laura-Miller-PNG
Laura Miller
Apprentice Solicitor
Anna Gregory PNG
Anna Gregory
Trainee Solicitor
David Mortimer PNG
David Mortimer
Trainee Solicitor
Kayleigh Hill PNG
Kayleigh Hill
Apprentice Solicitor
Leo-Yanchuk-PNG
Leo Yanchuk
Trainee Solicitor
James Rhodes PNG
James Rhodes
Trainee Solicitor
Theo-Olanrewaju-PNG
Theo Olanrewaju
Trainee Solicitor
Estelle Dekker PNG
Estelle Dekker
Trainee Solicitor
Isobel Little PNG
Isobel Little
Trainee Solicitor
Matthew Roberts PNG
Matthew Roberts
Senior Apprentice Solicitor
Madelyn Wellstead PNG
Madelyn Wellstead
Senior Apprentice Solicitor
Emily Southwood PNG
Emily Southwood
Trainee Solicitor
William Chapman PNG
William Chapman
Trainee Solicitor
Krish Makwana PNG
Krish Makwana
Trainee Solicitor
Holly Cullen PNG
Holly Cullen
Trainee Solicitor
Maddie-Craggs-PNG
Maddie Craggs
Trainee Solicitor
Charlotte Harris PNG
Charlotte Harris
Solicitor, Real Estate
Ellie-Mae Rich PNG
Ellie-Mae Rich
Trainee Solicitor

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your most pressing questions about our services and processes.

To qualify for this visa, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years. The qualification needs to be at UK bachelor’s degree level or above.

Yes. You can do this through either of the below options:

  • Passing the Secure Engligh Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider.
  • Have a GCSE at A level, Scottish National Qualification leve 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, or gained it through study at a UK school under the age of 18.
  • Have a degree level qualification that was taught in English. Ecctis will need to approve that it is valid.

You will need to:

  • show that you have paid Ecctis to check that your qualification is valid
  • a valid passport
  • proof of English requirement

You may also need to provide the following:

  • your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online proof of your immigration status if you are swapping from one visa to another
  • proof of your relationship with your partner and children if they are joining
  • Tuberculosis test results if you are from a qualifying country.

This visa usually lasts for 2 years. If your qualification is a PhD or other doctoral qualification, the visa will last for 3 years.

Yes, subject to meeting eligibility requirements, you can apply for your partner and children aged under 18 to join you as your dependants.

You may be eligible to apply for another visa, like the Skilled Worker Visa.

This visa does not provide a direct route to settlement/ ILR in the UK. However, it may be possible to switch to an alternative visa from within the UK, that would allow you to qualify for settlement.

Current processing times are 8 weeks when applying from inside the UK, or 3 weeks when applying from overseas. For an additional fee, you can prioritise your application and receive an expedited decision. Please note, these timeframes are a guideline, and some applications do take longer to receive a decision.

The fees charged by Home Office can be found on their official website here.

You will need to pay the healthcare (IHS) surcharge which currently stands at £1,035 per year of the visa, per applicant.

Yes. You will need to attend an appointment at your nearest visa centre to have your photograph taken and to submit your fingerprints. This is for your visa.