The High Potential Individual visa is for recent graduates from top global universities who want to work or look for work in the UK. No job offer or sponsorship is required, and you can stay for up to two years (or three years with a PhD). This route does not lead directly to settlement, but it provides flexibility and may allow switching to other routes that do.

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is designed to attract recent graduates from top-ranking universities around the world to the UK. It allows individuals to stay in the UK to work, be self-employed, or seek employment without the need for sponsorship.

The HPI visa is aimed at individuals who demonstrate high academic potential and offers a short-term route to explore professional opportunities in the UK, with the option to switch into longer-term immigration routes.

To be eligible for the HPI visa, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Have been awarded a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from an eligible university
• Have received the qualification within the last 5 years
• Have confirmation that the awarding institution appears on the Global Universities List for the year of graduation
• Demonstrate English language ability (at least B1 CEFR level)
• Show you have sufficient funds to support yourself unless exempt

The Global Universities List is published annually by the Home Office and includes institutions ranked in the top 50 of at least two prominent global rankings.

• 2 years if your qualification is at bachelor’s or master’s level
• 3 years if your qualification is at PhD level

This visa cannot be extended, but you may switch into another immigration category (e.g., Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder) from within the UK if you meet the requirements.

HPI visa holders can:

• Work in most types of employment
• Be self-employed
• Look for work
• Study (in some cases, subject to conditions)

You cannot:

• Work as a professional sportsperson
• Access public funds
• Apply for settlement directly under this route

Yes. You can bring:

• Your partner (spouse or unmarried partner)
• Children under 18 (including those born in the UK during your stay)

Dependants are permitted to work and study in the UK.

We provide tailored legal advice and support to individuals applying under the High Potential Individual route. We:

• Confirm your eligibility, including assessing your university qualification and ranking year
• Assist in gathering and presenting required documents (e.g., Ecctis statement)
• Guide you through the visa application process
• Advise on future immigration planning, including switching to a route that leads to settlement
• Draft a detailed legal representation letter linking your personal and academic background to the HPI visa requirements

Our legal representation letter is a key part of the application and helps clearly demonstrate to the Home Office how your application meets the Immigration Rules. We work closely with you to ensure your application is accurate, compliant, and clearly presented to maximise your chances of success.