High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa UK – Full Guide for 2025

If you’re a recent graduate from a top global university and thinking about building your future in the UK, the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa might be just the opportunity you’ve been looking for. It’s one of the few UK visa routes that doesn’t require sponsorship or a job offer, giving you the freedom to live, work, and job-hunt in the UK on your own terms.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the HPI visa is, who can apply, what it allows you to do, how to submit your application, and how it compares to other routes like the Graduate visa. Whether you’re planning your next career step or want to experience life in the UK, here’s everything you need to know.

What Is the HPI Visa?

The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa was introduced in May 2022 under the UK’s points based immigration system. It’s designed for talented individuals who’ve recently graduated from top global universities outside the UK.

This visa is aimed at attracting international graduates who show strong potential and want to contribute to the UK economy. What makes it especially attractive is that you don’t need a sponsor or a job offer to apply.

The visa allows you to:

• Stay in the UK for 2 years if you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• Stay for 3 years if you have a PhD or equivalent
• Work in any role, including starting your own business or freelancing
• Study while in the UK, with some restrictions depending on the course

The HPI visa gives you breathing room to find the right job, gain UK work experience, or even plan your long-term future in the country.

Who Is Eligible for the HPI Visa?

Not everyone can apply for this visa, but if you’ve graduated from a recognised university within the last five years, there’s a good chance you qualify.

Core Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must:

• Have been awarded a degree within the last 5 years
• Hold a qualification from a university that appeared on the Global Universities List at the time you graduated
• Have a degree that is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate
• Meet the English language requirement (CEFR level B1 or above)
• Show you have at least £1,270 in savings (held for 28 days before applying)

You’ll also need to prove your identity and provide documents that confirm your education and English skills.

Common Eligible Countries

The list of recognised institutions includes universities from:

• USA
• Canada
• Australia
• Japan
• Germany
• Singapore

Learn more 

Remember: your university must have been on the Home Office’s approved list in the year you graduated, not just now.

What Can You Do on an HPI Visa?

This visa gives you a lot of flexibility to build your life and career in the UK.

You can:

• Work in any job, full-time or part-time, including self employment
• Search for jobs without needing a company to sponsor you
• Study at UK institutions (you may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme certificate for some subjects)
• Travel in and out of the UK during your visa period

You cannot:

• Claim public funds or certain state benefits
• Extend the HPI visa it’s a one-time, short-term route
• Work as a professional sportsperson or coach

Although the visa doesn’t directly lead to settlement, it gives you valuable time to gain experience and switch to another route that does.

HPI Visa Application Process

Applying for the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is done online, and the steps are relatively straightforward.

How to Apply

• Apply online through the official UK government visa portal
• Submit your identity either using the UK Immigration ID Check app or by attending a biometric appointment
• Upload your supporting documents, including proof of your degree and English level
• Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
• Wait for your visa decision

The application can be submitted from outside the UK or, in some cases, from within the UK if you’re eligible to switch.

Required Documents

You’ll need:

• A valid passport
• Your degree certificate or confirmation from your university
• Proof that your degree is valid and equivalent (such as a UK ENIC statement)
• Evidence of English language ability
• Proof of funds a bank statement showing you have enough money in savings

Make sure your documents are in English or come with certified translations.

Fees, Duration & Processing Times

Costs to Apply:

• Visa application fee: £880
• Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS): £1,035 per year

So if you’re applying for a 2 year visa, your total IHS would be £2,070. This gives you full access to the NHS during your stay.

How long is the visa valid?

• 2 years for those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree
• 3 years for those with a PhD or other doctoral qualification

Processing time:

• If applying from outside the UK, decisions usually take around 3 weeks
• Faster processing may be available in some countries

Does the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Lead to ILR?

The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). It’s designed as a short-term option, so you can’t extend it or count the time towards settlement.

However, once you’ve secured a job or gained relevant experience, you may be able to switch to a different visa route, such as:

• Skilled Worker visa

• Innovator Founder visa

• Spouse visa (if applicable)

Switching routes is possible from within the UK as long as you meet the requirements of the new visa type.

HPI Visa vs Graduate Visa – What’s the Difference?

If you’re comparing the High Potential Individual Visa with the Graduate visa, here’s how they stack up:

Feature	HPI Visa	Graduate Visa
Sponsorship needed	No	No
Open to non-UK graduates	Yes	No
Duration	2–3 years	2–3 years
Extension possible	No	No
Path to ILR	No (must switch)	No (must switch)

The HPI visa is a better fit for non-UK graduates from top universities, while the Graduate visa is only open to people who studied in the UK.

Can You Bring Family Members on the HPI Visa?

Yes, the HPI visa allows you to bring your partner and children under 18 with you.

They must apply separately for a High Potential Individual Dependant Visa and pay the same visa fee and IHS. Their visas will match the length of yours.

Dependants can:

• Work or study in the UK
• Use the NHS after paying the health surcharge
• Travel freely during the visa period

They cannot claim public funds or work in restricted roles such as professional sport unless they qualify under a separate visa.

FAQs – High Potential Individual Visa UK

Do I need a job offer for the HPI visa?

No, you don’t. One of the best things about the HPI visa is that it gives you the freedom to move to the UK without being tied to an employer.

Can I switch to another visa from HPI?

Yes. Once in the UK, you can switch to other visa types, including the Skilled Worker visa, if you find a job with an approved sponsor.

What happens when the HPI visa expires?

You’ll need to switch to another visa route or leave the UK before your visa runs out. You cannot extend the HPI visa beyond the original 2 or 3 years.

Is the HPI visa better than the Graduate visa?

It depends. If you studied outside the UK at a top-ranked university, the HPI visa is a great option. If you studied in the UK, the Graduate visa might be a better fit.

The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is a refreshing and flexible route for recent international graduates who want to come to the UK without being tied to an employer. It offers freedom, valuable work experience, and the chance to build your network all without the need for sponsorship.

Although it doesn’t lead directly to settlement, the HPI visa can be a great stepping stone to other long-term options in the UK. With the right planning, it could be the start of something big.

Get help from solicitors in Manchester with your HPI visa application?

If you’re not sure where to start or need help putting your documents together, we’re here to support you.

Call 01614644140 to speak to our friendly immigration team or book your free consultation. We’ll guide you through the HPI visa process and help you get things right from the beginning.