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:

  1. Be 18 or older
  2. Have a degree from a non-UK university on the Global Universities List at the time of award
  3. Awarded the qualification within the last 5 years
  4. Get an Ecctis statement confirming your degree meets UK standards
  5. Meet English (CEFR B1) or be exempt (e.g. degree taught in English)
  6. Show minimum £1,270 savings held for 28 days—unless you’ve had UK leave for 12+ months
  7. 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  • Missing or outdated Ecctis statement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

We Help Solve Your Legal Issues

Feel free to book your appointment today with us.

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