High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

To be eligible for the 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 

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
• Not have previously been granted a Graduate visa, Student Doctorate Extension Scheme, or a High Potential Individual visa.

Immigration Rules – Appendix English Language  

Gov. UK: tuberculosis test 

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 already had a Graduate visa granted or a previous under the old Doctorate Extension Scheme.  

The HPI 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 

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.  

Study: you cannot study with a Student sponsor on a course which would meet the requirements of the Student visa route    

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 Student visa, you must abide by these visa conditions up until your HPI is granted.  

Public funds: HPI visa holders cannot access UK public funds 

Family members: if your family members are eligible, they may be able to apply as dependants.  

HPI visa dependants