The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is a UK immigration route designed to attract recent graduates from top-ranked international universities. It enables highly qualified individuals to live and work in the UK without needing a job offer, providing flexibility to build a career, seek employment, pursue self-employment, or explore business opportunities.
This article explains who can qualify for the HPI visa, how long you can stay, acceptable qualifications, the list of eligible universities, core requirements, costs, and the application process. It also highlights key conditions and practical considerations applicants should know before applying.
How Long Can Applicants Stay in the UK?
The length of stay granted under the HPI visa depends on the level of your highest qualification:
- Up to 2 years if you hold a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate qualification.
- Up to 3 years if you hold a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification.
You cannot extend an HPI visa beyond these periods. However, holders may switch to other visa categories (e.g., Skilled Worker or Global Talent) while in the UK, if eligible. Time spent on an HPI visa does not count towards settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain
Acceptable Qualifications
To qualify for an HPI visa, you must satisfy the education requirement:
Have been awarded an overseas academic qualification equivalent to at least:
- a UK bachelor’s degree;
- a UK postgraduate degree (master’s); or
- a UK PhD or doctorate.
The qualification must have been awarded within the last 5 years before the date of your application.
The award must be from an eligible institution on the published Global Universities List
Before applying, you must have your qualification verified by Ecctis (the UK’s recognised authority for international qualification comparability), confirming that it meets the relevant UK degree level. Ecctis will not check the university’s eligibility — this must be confirmed against the Global Universities List
The Global Universities List is a key eligibility requirement for the HPI visa. It comprises international institutions ranked in the top 50 by at least two major global university rankings for the relevant award year. A separate list applies for each academic award period (e.g. 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026). You must check the list corresponding to the date your qualification was awarded.
Official UKVI Global Universities List (includes years 2020–2025)
This official list is updated annually and published by UK Visas and Immigration.
It enables highly qualified individuals to live and work in the UK without needing a job offer, providing flexibility to build a career and seek employment.
Core Eligibility Requirements
In addition to education and the Global Universities List, applicants must satisfy the following core criteria:
- Age
You must be 18 years or older at the date of application.
- English Language
You must demonstrate your English language ability at the required level (currently CEFR B2).
- Financial (Maintenance) Requirement
You must show you have sufficient personal savings to support yourself in the UK unless you have been in the UK with valid leave for at least 12 months. In order to qualify for a High Potential Individual Visa you will generally need to have cash funds of at least £1,270 available.
You will need to have held the money for at least 28 days ending on a date that is not more than 31 days before the date of your High Potential Individual Visa application.
There is an exception to the financial requirement for individuals who have been in the UK with permission for 12 months or more at the date of application and who are applying to extend into the High Potential Individual Route. Such individuals will automatically meet the financial requirement and will not need to show funds.
- Points Requirement
Under the Immigration Rules, you must score 70 points in total:
50 points for the Global Universities List degree;
10 points for English language;
10 points for financial maintenance
- Other Criteria
You must:
- provide a valid passport and biometric information;
- pay visa fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge;
- satisfy tuberculosis requirements (where applicable).
Costs Involved
Applicants should budget for various fees associated with the HPI visa:
Application costs – £880 inside the UK. £822 for outside the UK
Health Surcharge – £1035 per year
ECCTIS Verification fees – £252
What You Can Do on an HPI Visa
With an HPI visa, you can:
- look for work, start a job, or be self-employed;
- bring eligible dependants;
- travel in and out of the UK
You cannot:
- access public funds;
- work as a professional sportsperson;
- extend the HPI visa;
- apply directly for settlement from this route.
Conclusion
The High Potential Individual visa is an unsponsored UK immigration route designed to attract global talent based on academic merit, offering international graduates flexibility in seeking career opportunities. However, applicants must carefully meet eligibility criteria — including degree source, English proficiency, and financial requirements — and plan ahead for associated costs and caps on applications.
If you have any queries or are seeking further information on the above article, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Immigration Team.
