UK High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is designed for recent graduates from top global universities who want to work or look for work in the UK without a job offer. This flexible route opens the door to work across many fields.
Table of Content
- What is the UK High Potential Individual Visa?
- Who can apply for the UK High Potential Individual Visa?
- UK High Potential Individual Visa requirements
- Approved universities for HPI Visa
- Required documents for High Potential Individual Visa UK
- How to apply for the HPI Visa UK
- High Potential Individual Visa duration
- High Potential Individual Visa dependants
- High Potential Individual Visa to ILR
What is the UK High Potential Individual Visa?
The High Potential Individual Visa allows foreign nationals with a recent non-UK degree from a top-ranking university to live in the UK for 2 or 3 years, depending on their qualification level.
You don't need a sponsor or a job offer to apply, and you can use this time to work, job hunt, or explore further opportunities.
The HPI visa scheme launched on 30 May 2022 to attract global talent and fill the growing skills demand across UK sectors.
Who can apply for the UK High Potential Individual Visa?
You may apply if you meet the eligibility criteria below.
You may apply if you:
Hold a non-UK degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD; graduated within the last 5 years from a university on the Home Office's approved list; meet English language requirements (CEFR B1 or higher); and can prove access to £1,270 in personal savings, unless you've lived in the UK for over 12 months.
You cannot apply if you have already held:
A Graduate Visa, a High Potential Individual Visa, or a Doctorate Extension Scheme visa.
UK High Potential Individual Visa requirements
You must satisfy academic, English language and financial requirements.
Academic qualification
Your degree must be awarded in the last 5 years, must be from a university featured on the Home Office's top university list for your graduation year, and must be verified by Ecctis, confirming its UK equivalency.
English language requirement
You must meet one of the following: pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at CEFR B1 or above; hold a degree taught in English (equivalent to UK Level 6 or higher); be from an English-speaking country; or hold a UK school-level qualification started before age 18.
Financial requirement
Hold at least £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days before applying. This is not required if you've been in the UK for 12 months or more.
Approved universities for HPI Visa
You must have studied at a university included on the Home Office's list of the top 50 global universities for the year of your graduation.
Institutions include Harvard University (USA), the University of Toronto (Canada), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), Kyoto University (Japan), and the National University of Singapore (Singapore).
Check the official Home Office list for your graduation year to confirm eligibility.
Required documents for High Potential Individual Visa UK
You will need the following documents.
Valid passport or ID.
Academic Qualification Level Statement from Ecctis.
English language proof (SELT pass or equivalent).
Bank statement showing £1,270 in savings.
BRP or immigration documents if applying from within the UK.
TB test results, if required.
Proof of relationship to dependants, if applicable.
How to apply for the HPI Visa UK
Follow these steps to apply.
Apply to Ecctis to confirm your qualification meets UK standards.
Complete the online visa application.
Pay the visa fee and healthcare surcharge.
Upload your supporting documents.
Provide biometric information via UKVCAS/VAC or the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Wait for a decision, typically within 3 weeks.
High Potential Individual Visa duration
The visa is granted for 3 years if you hold a PhD or equivalent, and 2 years for all other eligible degrees.
This visa cannot be extended. You must switch to another visa route to remain in the UK beyond the initial period.
High Potential Individual Visa dependants
You may bring a spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner (2 or more years together), and children under 18, or over 18 if still dependent and living with you.
Each dependant must apply separately and show financial maintenance funds: £285 for a partner, £315 for a first child, and £200 for each additional child.
Dependants are not eligible if they are currently in the UK under restricted visa categories, such as visitor, short-term student, or seasonal worker.
High Potential Individual Visa to ILR
The HPI Visa does not lead directly to ILR (Indefinite Leave to Remain). However, you may switch to a visa that does offer a settlement route.
Settlement routes you can switch to include the Skilled Worker Visa, Global Talent Visa, Spouse or Family Visa, and Innovator Founder Visa.
Once on a settlement route, you may apply for ILR after 2, 3, or 5 years, depending on the visa type. After holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship.
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