UK HIGH POTENTIAL INDIVIDUAL VISA (HPI)
Fast-track work rights in the UK for top global graduates—no job offer needed
The HPI Visa allows recent international graduates from top-ranked overseas universities to live, work, and study in the UK without needing sponsorship or needing a job offer.
Overview & Duration
- Awarded within the last 5 years from a university on the UK’s eligible Global Universities List
- Stay for 2 years (Bachelor’s/Master’s) or 3 years (PhD/doctoral)
- Not extendable, but you can switch to other visa routes like Skilled Worker, Will lead to settlement routes
Who’s Eligible?
Applicants must:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a degree from a non-UK university on the Global Universities List at the time of award
- Awarded the qualification within the last 5 years
- Get an Ecctis statement confirming your degree meets UK standards
- Meet English (CEFR B1) or be exempt (e.g. degree taught in English)
- Show minimum £1,270 savings held for 28 days—unless you’ve had UK leave for 12+ months
- Never held a Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme
Work, Study & Family Rights
With an HPI Visa, you can:
- Work in most roles or start a business (except as a professional sportsperson or coach)
- Be self-employed, volunteer, or job-hunt freely
- Study, unless it would require a Student Visa
- Bring dependants—spouse, partner, and children (under 18, or over 18 if already dependants)
What You Cannot Do
- Extend the HPI Visa
- Claim public funds
- Settle (ILR) directly on this visa—they don’t contribute to residency time for permanent settlement
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Degree not from a university on the correct list for your graduation date
- Missing or outdated Ecctis statement
- Insufficient or incorrectly held bank funds
- Overlooking English-language requirements
- Not applying to switch before expiry
How We Help
We can connect you with a specialist UK immigration solicitor who will:
- Verify if your degree and university qualify
- Handle the Ecctis equivalency process
- Check your English and financial evidence
- Prepare and review your online application and cover letter
- Assist with dependants’ applications
- Plan your move into a settlement route like Skilled Worker, Innovator, or Global Talent