High Potential Individual Visa
High Potential Individual Visa
The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is designed for recent graduates from top global universities. If you’ve completed your degree from an eligible international university, you could qualify for a visa allowing you to live and work in the UK for up to 2 or 3 years, depending on your qualification.
If you’re exploring your UK work visa options and want to know how our expert immigration lawyers can help, call us at 0333 0124 253 or contact us online.
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The HPI visa allows graduates from certain overseas universities listed on the Global Universities List to come to the UK to work, be self-employed, or look for opportunities—without needing a job offer.
What You Can Do on an HPI Visa
With a High Potential Individual visa, you can:
However, you cannot:
If your long-term goal is to settle in the UK, consider switching to another immigration route after your HPI visa expires. You can also read more about ILR here or speak to one of our legal advisers.
Eligibility for the High Potential Individual Visa
To be eligible, you must:
- This list is updated annually based on university rankings by:
1. Times Higher Education
2. QS World University Rankings
3. Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Other Requirements, You must also:
- Passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT)
- Holding a degree taught in English
- Being from a majority English-speaking country
You Cannot Apply If:
You’ve previously held a Graduate Visa, been on the Doctorate Extension Scheme, or already had an HPI visa.
Applying for a High Potential Individual Visa
From Outside the UK, If you’re applying from abroad:
Note: You may be required to attend a visa appointment in another country if no centre is available nearby.
From Inside the UK, You cannot switch to an HPI visa if you are currently on:
If you’re switching from a Student visa, you must:
Application Fees & Processing Time
Cost | Amount |
Visa Application Fee | £822 |
Immigration Health Surcharge | £624 per year |
Ecctis Qualification Verification | Check Ecctis website for current fee |
Processing Time
- Additional documents are needed
- You’re required to attend an interview
- You have a criminal conviction
What Happens After You Apply?
If approved, you’ll receive either:
If you received a vignette, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK or before the sticker expires.
If your application is refused, you’ll get a letter or email explaining the reasons, and information on whether you can request an administrative review or appeal.
Comparing HPI Visa and Graduate Visa
Feature | HPI Visa | Graduate Visa |
Where You Studied | Outside the UK | Inside the UK |
Job Offer Required? | No | No |
Maximum Duration | 2 years (3 years with PhD) | 2 years (3 years with PhD) |
Can Bring Dependants? | Yes | Yes |
Leads to ILR? | No (but you can switch visas) | No (but you can switch visas) |
How PLS Can Help
At Push Legal Services, we specialise in helping talented individuals from around the world come to the UK to work, build careers, and settle.
Whether you’re unsure of your eligibility, need help with Ecctis verification, or want a smooth, error-free application—we’re here to help.
Our expert immigration lawyers can:
Speak to Our Experts Today
📞 Call: 0333 0124 253
📧 Email: enquiries@pushlegalservices.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.pushlegalservices.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Apply If You're Outside the UK?
Complete your online visa application via the UK Government website.
Attend a visa application centre to provide fingerprints and a photo for your biometric residence permit (BRP), or use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to scan your identity document, depending on your nationality and passport.
Submit supporting documents online or in-person, as instructed during the process.
⚠️ Please note: Some visa centres may retain your passport while processing your application. Centres may not be available in every country—you might need to travel to a nearby country.
How to Apply If You're Inside the UK?
- A Visit visa
- A Short-term student visa
- A Graduate visa
- A Parent of a Child Student visa
- A Seasonal Worker visa
A Domestic Worker in a Private Household visa. You also can’t switch if you’re:
- On immigration bail, or
- Staying outside immigration rules (e.g., on compassionate grounds)
✅ If you're on a Student visa, you can apply if:
Your job start date is after your course completion date, or, You’ve been studying a PhD for at least 24 months
What’s the Processing Time?
Applying from inside the UK: Expect a decision within 8 weeks
⚠️ Processing may take longer if:
- Your documents need additional verification
- You’re asked to attend an interview
- You have criminal convictions or complex personal circumstances
What Happens After I Apply?
If approved:
- You’ll receive either a visa vignette sticker in your passport or digital access to your immigration status.
- If you receive a vignette, you must collect your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) within 10 days of arriving in the UK or before the vignette expires.
If refused:
- You’ll get a refusal letter explaining the reasons.
- This letter will also confirm whether you have the right to request an administrative review or appeal.
How Are Universities Ranked on the Global Universities List?
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings)
✅ The list is updated annually, so always check the correct version for your graduation year.
What’s the Difference Between a High Potential Individual Visa and a Graduate Visa?
- The High Potential Individual visa is for those who studied outside the UK at top-ranked global universities.
💡 Neither visa requires a job offer, and both allow you to live and work freely in the UK. However, only the Graduate visa is available to UK university graduates.
How Can PLS Help with My High Potential Individual Visa Application?
- Confirm your eligibility
- Help with your Ecctis verification
- Guide you through your visa application
- Assist with refusals, reviews, or appeals if necessary
We’ve supported countless applicants in securing successful outcomes. Let us do the same for you.
📞 Call us at 0333 0124 253
📧 Or contact us online