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High Potential Individual Visa
United KingdomUnited Kingdom•Europe
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High Potential Individual Visa

Work Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

3 weeks – 2 months

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

GBP £4,472–£5,507

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

2 years

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Apply Now Official Information
United Kingdom flag

Living in United Kingdom

Cost of Living
2% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary£31,000
Quality of Life
174/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Work visa for recent graduates from top global universities, no UK job offer required.

The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets graduates of top-ranked global universities live and work in the UK without a job offer. Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD from a qualifying university within the last 5 years. An annual cap of 8,000 applies.

The visa lasts 2 years (3 for PhD holders), cannot be extended, and does not count toward settlement. Total costs run roughly £3,202 for a 2-year stay: £880 application, £252 Ecctis assessment, and £2,070 healthcare surcharge. Dependents may join and a spouse can work; switching to Skilled Worker is possible.

This visa is ideal for internationally educated graduates who want to explore UK career options without needing an employer sponsor upfront.

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Cost Breakdown

Application feeGBP £880
Ecctis qualification assessmentGBP £252
Minimum savings requiredGBP £1,270
Healthcare surcharge (2-year)GBP £2,070
Healthcare surcharge (3-year, PhD)GBP £3,105
TotalGBP £4,472–£5,507

Processing Time

Outside UK3 weeks
Inside UK (switching)2 months

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant2 years

Annual Cap & Quota

8,000 per year (cap introduced November 2025)

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Skilled Worker Visa
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Skilled Worker Visa

Validity5 years per grant (renewable indefinitely)
Processing3 weeks
View Visa Details
Scale-up Visa
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Scale-up Visa

Validity2 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
Global Talent Visa
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Global Talent Visa

Validity5 years
Processing5 days – 2 months
View Visa Details
Innovator Founder Visa
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Innovator Founder Visa

Validity3 years
Processing2 weeks – 2 months
View Visa Details
Spouse/Partner Visa
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Spouse/Partner Visa

Validity33 months
Processing2 months – 1 year
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have been awarded a degree-level qualification from a qualifying university on the Global Universities List within the last 5 years.

The qualification must be equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD/doctorate.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Must meet the English language requirement (at least B2 level).

Must have sufficient personal savings to support oneself in the UK (£1,270 for 28 days).

Must not have previously been granted a Graduate visa or entry under the Student Doctorate Extension Scheme.

Must pass a security check.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Min. Savings

1,270 GBP

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or travel document.

Academic Qualification Level Statement from Ecctis verifying the degree level.

Evidence of English language proficiency.

Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements).

Tuberculosis test results (if applying from a country where required).

Biometric Residence Permit (if applicable).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No job offer required — arrive and search for work
  • Work in most sectors including self-employment
  • Bring partner and dependent children
  • International travel with UK re-entry
  • 3-year stay for PhD holders

Worth Knowing

  • Cannot extend the visa
  • Time does not count toward settlement or ILR
  • Cannot apply for permanent settlement via this route
  • Annual cap of 8,000 applications (introduced November 2025)
  • Cannot work as professional sports personnel
  • Cannot claim public benefits
  • Qualifying universities are non-UK institutions only

Application Process

1

Check your university is on the qualifying institutions list

2

Obtain Ecctis qualification assessment (£252)

3

Gather proof of English language proficiency

4

Prepare bank statements showing £1,270 for 28 consecutive days

5

Apply online from outside UK or switch from within UK on another visa

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