High Potential Individual Visa
Visa Overview
The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa allows eligible recent graduates from qualifying top global universities to live and work in the UK without requiring employer sponsorship.
Applicants must have been awarded an eligible overseas degree within the required period before applying.
Processing Time
Usually around 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK.
Application Fees
Government visa fees may change over time. Check the current applicable fees before applying.
PR Pathway
The HPI Visa does not directly lead to permanent residence. Eligible applicants may switch to another qualifying route that can lead to settlement.
Visa Validity
2 years
3 years for eligible PhD or doctoral graduates
Key Benefits
- Live and work in the United Kingdom without employer sponsorship
- Work in most jobs and change employers
- Be self-employed or start a business, where permitted
- Gain valuable UK professional experience
- Include eligible dependants
- Explore opportunities to switch to a longer-term visa route
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the High Potential Individual Visa, applicants generally need to:
- Have been awarded an eligible degree from a qualifying overseas university
- Have obtained the qualification within the required period
- Meet the English language requirement
- Meet the financial requirement
- Not have previously held an HPI or certain other UK immigration permissions
- Meet applicable immigration requirements
General Requirements
- Valid passport and identity documents
- Eligible overseas degree certificate or evidence
- Proof of English language ability
- Financial evidence, where required
- Tuberculosis test certificate, where required
- Biometric information
- Payment of applicable visa fees
Important Note: The list of eligible universities, qualification requirements, fees and immigration rules can change. Sakhi Migration recommends a personalised eligibility assessment before applying.
Application Process
01
Initial Assessment
Sakhi Migration reviews your qualification, university and overall HPI eligibility.
02
Qualification Verification
Confirm that your degree and awarding institution meet the current HPI requirements.
03
Documentation
Prepare your degree evidence, English language proof, financial documents and other supporting documents.
04
Application Lodgement
Submit your HPI Visa application and complete the required biometric process.
05
Processing & Decision
UK Visas and Immigration assesses your application and issues a decision.
Need Assistance?
Our migration experts are here to help you with your High Potential Individual Visa application.
Contact Us
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