On 13 January 2025, the government unveiled its intention to explore how they can attract highly skilled AI workers from abroad. This was announced in response to the AI Opportunities Action Plan with 50 recommendations presented by Matt Clifford CBE.
Under the existing immigration system, overseas graduates who have recently been awarded a qualification by the institution on the Global Universities List can come to the UK for at least 2 years on a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. However, the list does not include some leading AI institutions, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology and Carnegie Mellon University in the US. For this reason, the Action Plan recommended that the government develops new pathways and strengthen existing ones to support these graduates.
The government “partially” accepted this recommendation and are looking into this in view of existing internationally competitive visa routes for talented AI graduates from institutions not on the Global Universities List.
Are there existing routes to employ AI workers?
Yes. AI workers can still enter the UK through the existing immigration routes, including the Skilled Worker, Innovator Founder, Government Authorised Exchange, and Global Talent.
How we can help you
If you are recruiting talented AI workers for your business, or seeking to work in the UK in digital technology, do not hesitate to reach out for a conversation with our Business and Skilled Immigration team.