VISA TYPE:

High Potential Individual

For graduates of leading global universities

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is designed for recent graduates of top international universities who want to live and work in the UK without sponsorship.

It is a flexible route. It allows employment, self-employment and job seeking. It does not tie you to one employer.

If you graduated overseas within the last five years from a university on the Global Universities List, this route may be available to you.

What This Visa Allows

You can:

• Work for any employer (except as a professional sportsperson)

• Be self-employed

• Seek employment

• Study (in limited circumstances)

• Bring your partner and children

This route does not lead directly to settlement. Most applicants later switch into Skilled Worker or Global Talent.

Length of Stay

• 3 years – if relying on a PhD or doctoral qualification

• 2 years – for all other degree-level qualifications

Core Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all of the following:

1. Eligible Qualification

• Degree awarded in the last 5 years

• Overseas qualification equivalent to at least a UK Bachelor’s degree

• Confirmed by Ecctis

• Awarding institution must appear on the relevant year of the Global Universities List

2. English Language

• CEFR B2 level (higher than many other routes)

3. Financial Requirement

• At least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days

• Additional funds required for dependants

4. Tuberculosis (where required)

5. Suitability Requirements

• No general grounds for refusal under the Immigration Rules

Costs (Main Fees)

For a two-year visa (applying from overseas), typical government costs are approximately:

• Ecctis confirmation: £210

• Visa application fee: £880

• Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 per year

Total government fees are typically in excess of £3,000, excluding dependants.

Switching Inside the UK

You may apply from within the UK provided you are not:

• A Visitor

• A Short-term Student

• A Parent of a Child Student

• A Seasonal Worker

• A Domestic Worker in a Private Household

• On immigration bail

If lawfully present in another category, switching may be possible.