US to UK Immigration Series: Bridgit Mendler
As political uncertainty grows in the US, particularly under the leadership of President Donald Trump, many of our friends across the pond are exploring alternative futures abroad. For some, the UK is emerging as a compelling destination. But for those considering a transatlantic move, the path isn’t always straightforward. Traditional immigration routes may not apply, and that’s where creative thinking becomes essential. Whether through lesser-known visa categories or strategic professional opportunities, there are often unconventional immigration routes to facilitate the potential relocation to the UK.
In this third instalment of Irwin Mitchell’s US to UK Immigration series, we will be looking at a lesser-known immigration route, the High Potential Individual route, and a slightly more well-known individual who may be able to utilise it: Bridgit Mendler!
Background
Bridgit Mendler rose to a fame as a Disney channel star, featuring in programmes such as the Wizards of Waverley Place and Good Luck Charlie. Along with her success as an actor, Mendler also launched an overlapping musical career in the 2010s, including multiple platinum and gold certified singles.
Mendler recently became the subject of substantial media attention as she became the CEO and co-founder of Northwood Space, a technology startup focused on the development of ground infrastructure for communications with satellites in orbit.
What is the High Potential Individual visa?
The High Potential Individual visa was launched in 2022 by the Home Office to attract the ‘brightest and best’ from across the globe, as part of an effort to grow the UK as an international leader in innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
To be eligible, an applicant must have been awarded a qualification (equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher) from a top global university included on the Home Office’s prescribed list, within the last 5 years. The applicant must also meet the English language requirements for the route and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves in the UK.
A successful application under the route will lead to a grant of permission for two years, unless the applicant has a PhD or other doctoral qualification, which would lead to a grant of permission for three years.
Is Bridgit eligible for the High Potential Individual visa?
With an extensive academic background, Bridgit may be eligible for the High Potential Individual visa in more ways than one!
Bridgit graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”) with a Master’s degree in Media Art and Sciences in 2020. If the degree was awarded from September 2020, then she may be eligible as MIT is listed on the Home Office’s prescribed list. The date of the award will also be a critical consideration as Bridgit can only rely on a degree that was awarded in the last 5 years.
Bridgit also pursued a Doctorate in Philosophy at MIT starting in 2020, however she announced via social media that she would be pausing her studies after moving to California in 2023. If Bridgit completes the Doctorate, she will not only be eligible for the High Potential Individual visa but would also be granted permission to enter the UK for 3 years rather than 2 years, due to her completing a PhD!
If she was not already accomplished enough, Bridgit completed her Juris Doctor qualification at Harvard Law School in 2024. The Juris Doctor is a graduate level professional qualification and is a prerequisite for becoming a licenced lawyer in the US. To ensure the Juris Doctor meets the qualification level requirements, Bridgit will need to send relevant documents to ECCTIS, a Home Office approved partner, who will assess the qualification and determine its UK equivalency. Harvard University is included in the Home Office’s list of top global universities and therefore this may be another option for the bright and gifted Bridgit to secure the High Potential Individual visa.
As a US national, Bridgit would also automatically meet the English Language requirements on the basis of her nationality, satisfying the other key requirements of the High Potential Individual visa. Additionally, provided Bridgit has saved some money from her days as a Disney star, to show that she has at least £1,270 available for her stay in the UK, she would meet the financial requirements under the route.
In light of the above, it appears Bridgit will be able to satisfy the requirements of the High Potential Individual route, enabling her to live and work in the UK for a period of at least 2 years.
Considerations for Bridgit
A key drawback of the High Potential Individual visa is that it does not provide a route to settlement, i.e., permanent residence in the UK. If Bridgit wished to stay in the UK beyond the 2-year period, she would need to find an alternative visa route before her visa expires.
Through her work with Northwood Space, amassing over $30 million in funding already, Bridgit may have a number of alternative options to remain in the UK, including the Global Talent visa, for those considered leaders or potential leaders in their field, or the Skilled Worker visa for those who are coming to the UK to work in a specific eligible role. Both the Global Talent and Skilled Worker routes were previously explored by my colleague, Nanayaa in the premiere of this series: US to UK Immigration Series: Toni Laites, Love Island 2025 winner.
With Bridgit recently remarking that she would like to build a ‘global network’ with Northwood Space, the High Potential Individual route may enable her to at least establish and start developing the infrastructure within the UK for two years. However, for longer relocation plans to the UK, Bridgit will need to consider other visa options at that time. Ready or not, here she (may) come!
