The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows individuals who have been awarded a qualification from an eligible overseas (non-UK) institution in the 5 years prior to application to come to/remain in the UK to work. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows individuals who have been awarded a qualification from an eligible overseas institution in the 5 years prior to application to come to/remain in the UK to work. Eligibility: Qualification To be eligible for a HPI visa, you must have been awarded qualification by an eligible overseas (non-UK) University at the same level as: a UK bachelor’s degree a UK postgraduate degree a UK PhD or doctorate Your qualification must have been awarded within the five years immediately before the date of application. You must apply to Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) to check your qualification is valid and at the right level. Ecctis visa and nationality service At the time your qualification was awarded, the awarding institution must have been on the appropriate Global Universities List: Global Universities List Other eligibility requirements To apply for an HPI visa you must also: Prove your knowledge of English at level CEFR B1 (you will meet this if you have been previously granted with a Student visa to study with us) Prove that you have held a minimum of £1270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days prior to application. You do not need to show funds if you have been in the UK with a valid visa for 12 consecutive months prior to the date of application. You may also need to submit a valid Tuberculosis (TB) certificate if you have lived in a country that requires TB testing Immigration Rules – Appendix English Language Gov. UK: tuberculosis test How to apply You can apply for a HPI visa from your country of nationality or from the UK if you are eligible. You must apply online. HPI visa: who can apply from the UK HPI visa: costs You can only apply for an HPI visa once. You cannot apply if you have previously held permission under the Graduate Route or under the Doctorate Extension Scheme. HPI visa conditions The visa will be granted for: 2 years, if you are relying on an undergraduate or master’s degree to apply 3 years, if you are relying on a PhD/doctorate-level qualification to apply Work: HPI visa holders can stay in the UK to work or look for work. You can work in any position and at any level provided you do not work as a professional sportsperson or coach. If you are switching from a Tier 4/Student visa, you must abide by your Tier 4/Student visa conditions until when your HPI is visa is granted. Study: you cannot study with a Student sponsor on a course which would meet the requirements of the Student visa route Public funds: HPI visa holders cannot access public funds Family members: if your family members are eligible, they can apply to come to/stay in the UK as your Dependants. HPI visa dependants The HPI visa does not lead to settlement and cannot be extended. You may be able to switch to another immigration route if you are eligible. This article was published on 2024-07-29
