The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows recent graduates of eligible overseas universities to work or look for work in the UK without employer sponsorship. Eligibility depends on the university, qualification and award date.

 

At a glance

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Who it is for: Applicants aged 18 or over with a qualifying overseas degree awarded within the previous five years.

Job offer: Not required.

Length of stay: Two years, or three years for a qualifying PhD or other doctorate.

Extension: The route cannot be extended or used a second time.

Settlement: No direct route; switching to another qualifying route may be possible.

 

Dependants: Eligible partners and children may apply.

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Main eligibility requirements

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Your university must appear on the Home Office Global Universities List covering the date your qualification was awarded. Its appearance on a different year's list is not sufficient.

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The qualification must be an overseas academic degree meeting or exceeding the standard of a UK bachelor's or postgraduate degree.

 

You need the required assessment from the designated qualifications provider, currently Ecctis.

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A UK university degree does not qualify for HPI. Eligible UK graduates should consider the Graduate route instead.

 

You must not previously have been granted HPI permission, Graduate permission or permission under the Doctorate Extension Scheme.

 

You must also satisfy suitability and any applicable TB or in-country switching requirements.

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English and financial requirements

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New applications normally require English at B2 level, following the change effective from 8 January 2026.

You normally need £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days, with the period ending within 31 days before application. An eligible in-country applicant with at least 12 months' lawful residence does not need to show these funds. Dependants may need additional maintenance.

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Current rules

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HPI has an annual limit of 8,000 main applications, with the allocation year running from 1 November to 31 October. Eligibility does not guarantee that an application place remains available.

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The expanded university-list arrangements do not mean that every highly ranked overseas university qualifies. The published list for the qualification's award period remains decisive.

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You can work in most jobs, including self-employment, but cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach. Public funds are prohibited. Restrictions also apply to studying courses that qualify for the Student route.

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Evidence commonly required

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Passport; degree certificate and award-date evidence; the required qualification assessment; English evidence; maintenance documents where needed; and any required TB or family documents.

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Application process

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1. Match the award date to the correct university list.
2. Obtain the qualification assessment and check English and funds.
3. Check the annual application limit and any switching restrictions.
4. Apply online, pay the applicable charges and complete identity checks.

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Common issues

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Using the wrong university list, applying outside the five-year award window or overlooking a previous Graduate visa can make an application ineligible.

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Frequently asked questions

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Do I need a job before applying?

No. HPI permits eligible applicants to seek work after arrival.

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Can I move from HPI to Skilled Worker?

Potentially, if you obtain qualifying sponsorship and meet the Skilled Worker requirements. HPI time does not count towards that route's ordinary five-year settlement period.