9:00 - 17:00

Our Opening Hours Mon. - Fri.

+44 2030040576

Call Us For Free Consultation

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

LinkedIn

High Potential Individual Visa

lexenlaw.co.uk > High Potential Individual Visa

High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa UK

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows top global graduates to live and work in the UK without needing a job offer. It was introduced to attract highly skilled international talent.

Key Points:

Stay for 2 years (or 3 years if PhD/Doctoral)

No job offer required

Work, be self-employed, or look for work

Bring eligible family members

Cannot extend, but can switch to another visa

Does not directly lead to ILR (but switching routes may)

The HPI visa is one of the only UK visas that does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship, giving graduates maximum flexibility to explore opportunities.

Contact us now

free consultation

    Who is Eligible?

    Applicants must have graduated in the last 5 years from a university on the UK Government’s Global Universities List.

    Key Points:

    Degree equivalent to UK Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD

    University must be on the eligible global list

    Meet English language requirement (B1 or above)

    Meet financial requirement (£1,270 in savings)

    Not eligible if you already had a doctorate extension scheme as a graduate or high potential individual

    Areas of expertise

    what we are best at

    Eligible Global Universities

    The UK publishes an annual list of top global universities from which graduates qualify.

    Key Points:

    Universities ranked in top 50 worldwide

    Based on the Universities that have been included in at least 2 of the following rankings (e.g. Times Higher Education, QS, Academic ranking of world Universities)

    Only degrees awarded in the last 5 years are valid

    English Language Requirement

    Applicants must prove English ability at B1 CEFR or higher.

    Ways to Meet the Requirement:

    Take a Secure English Language Test (SELT)

    Hold a degree taught in English

    Be from an English-speaking country

    Previous UK qualification in English

    Financial Requirement

    Applicants must show they can support themselves in the UK.

    Key Points:

    At least £1,270 in savings (held for 28 days)

    Exempt if already in the UK for 12+ months on a valid visa

    What You Can Do With an HPI Visa

    Allowed:

    Work in most jobs

    Be self-employed

    Live with partner/children (if eligible)

    Travel freely in/out of the UK

    Not Allowed:

    Claim public funds or State Pension

    Work as a professional sportsperson

    Application Process

    Applications are made online via gov.uk.

    Pay fees:

    Application fee: £880

    Healthcare surcharge: £1,035/year

    Prove identity via:

    UK Immigration ID Check app (digital status), or

    Visa Application Centre / UKVCAS (biometrics)

    Rights of HPI Visa Holders

    HPI visa holders enjoy full working rights in the UK.

    Key Points:

    Work or be self-employed in the UK

    Rent property in the UK

    Access NHS healthcare (IHS surcharge applies)

    Bring dependants (partner & children)

    If Your Application is Refused

    Applicants will be informed in writing if their application is unsuccessful.

    Key Points:

    Written refusal notice with reasons provided

    May be able to request administrative review

    Can reapply with corrected documents/evidence

    Contact our team today to discuss your situation in confidence.

    No Comments

    Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.