What the High Potential Individual visa is
The High Potential Individual visa, or HPI visa, is for people who have recently graduated from a top global university. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor. You can work in most jobs, look for work, and be self-employed. It is intended to attract talented graduates to the UK, and it is deliberately short.
Who can apply
- You must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last five years. The Home Office publishes the list of eligible universities, and it is not the same as university rankings you may see elsewhere, so check the current list for your university and your year of award.
- The qualification must be at the level the rules require: a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree or a doctorate, each of them recognised as equivalent to the UK level.
- You must meet the English language requirement, at level B2, and show you can support yourself.
An overseas qualification generally needs to be confirmed as equivalent to a UK degree by the Home Office’s recognised body, with a statement that you will need to obtain.
There is a yearly limit on applications. The application year runs from 1 November to 31 October, and if the limit has been reached you are told when you apply online.
Length and the limits
| What applies | |
|---|---|
| Fee | £880, for you and each dependant |
| Length | 2 years, or 3 years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification |
| Extension | Not possible |
| Settlement | Time on the visa does not count towards settlement, and you cannot apply to settle while on it |
| Work | Most jobs, job-seeking and self-employment, but not as a professional sportsperson |
| Decision | Usually within three weeks from outside the UK and eight from inside; apply at least three months before you travel |
You must pay the application fee and the immigration health surcharge, and show you have enough personal savings. See the fees page and the Immigration Health Surcharge.
Switching to a route that leads to settlement
Because the visa cannot be extended and does not count towards settlement, the aim is to switch to another visa before it ends. For example, you may be able to switch to a Skilled Worker visa if an employer sponsors you, to Global Talent if you qualify as a leader in your field, or to Innovator Founder if you start a business. Plan this early, since sponsors need time and the new visa must be applied for while you still hold your HPI visa.
HPI or Graduate visa
If you studied in the UK, you may be eligible for the Graduate visa, which also lets you stay and work without a sponsor. The two have different conditions, so check which suits you. If you studied abroad at an eligible university, the HPI visa is the route.
Studying and family
You can study on an HPI visa only if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. Your partner and children may be able to join you as dependants. See dependant visas.
How we help
We check whether your university and qualification are eligible, prepare the application and evidence, and plan the switch into a longer route before the visa ends. A consultation costs from £99.
