United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland · work unsponsored
High Potential Individual visa
Unsponsored work visa for graduates of a time-limited list of top global universities.
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Overview
The High Potential Individual (HPI) route is an unsponsored work visa for people who have been awarded a qualifying degree from a university on the Global Universities List published annually by the Home Office. The list is small and updated each year.
Processing time
Typically within 3 weeks of submitting biometrics.
See source window: 3 weeks – 4 weeks →Government fees
Application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge £1,035/year. Verify on GOV.UK.
Typical duration
2 years (3 years for PhD graduates). Non-extendable.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Bachelor's, master's or PhD from a university on the Home Office Global Universities List for the year of award.
Degree awarded within the 5 years prior to application.
English at CEFR B1.
Financial requirement of £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days (unless exempt).
Common blockers
Degree institution not on the year-specific Global Universities List.
Degree older than 5 years.
Typical evidence
Degree certificate and verification via Ecctis.
English-language evidence.
Bank statement meeting financial requirement.
Application pathway
Step 1
Check the Global Universities List for your award year
HPI eligibility is based on the list for the year you received your degree, not the year you apply.
Step 2
Obtain Ecctis verification
Get a statement from Ecctis confirming your degree is equivalent to a UK qualification at the right level.
Step 3
Apply online
Submit the application with degree, English, and financial evidence. Pay fees and attend biometrics.
Step 4
Plan onward route before expiry
Switch to Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Innovator Founder before HPI expires — the HPI cannot be extended.
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Related routes
Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of eligible UK higher education institutions.
Skilled Worker visa
Work visa for non-UK workers with a job offer from a Home Office–licensed sponsor in an eligible occupation.
Global Talent visa
Unsponsored visa for leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, culture, or digital technology.
Frequently asked questions
Can HPI lead to settlement?
Not directly. The HPI is not a settlement route. Time on HPI does not count toward ILR, but it is a common bridge to Skilled Worker or Global Talent.
Does my university qualify for the HPI?
Only universities on the Home Office Global Universities List for the year your degree was awarded qualify. The list is published annually on GOV.UK and is relatively short.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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