The UK’s High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is an unsponsored route designed for recent graduates from top global universities. It offers a unique opportunity for highly-skilled international graduates to come to the UK for work, without the need for employer sponsorship or a prior job offer. This route benefits both graduates seeking flexibility and UK employers looking for access to global talent.
Key Takeaways
The High Potential Individual visa is aimed at elite international graduates who have recently completed a degree from one of the world’s top universities. It allows individuals to come to the UK to work, look for employment, or establish their own businesses. Unlike most UK work visas, it does not require employer sponsorship.
Visa holders have the right to undertake employment, self-employment, voluntary work, or even study. However, they cannot work as professional sportspersons or coaches. Dependants, including partners and children under 18, can accompany or join the visa holder in the UK.
| Qualification Level | Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 2 years |
| Master’s Degree | 2 years |
| PhD/Doctorate | 3 years |
| Requirement | Points |
|---|---|
| Global Universities Degree | 50 |
| English Language (B1) | 10 |
| Financial Maintenance | 10 |
| Total Required | 70 Points |
Applications are made online. Applicants must pay the relevant fees, provide biometric information (photograph and fingerprints), and submit supporting documents. These may include proof of identity, qualifications, English language ability, financial evidence, and accommodation details.
Applicants must pay:
The HPI visa cannot be extended. To stay longer, holders must switch to another visa route, such as Skilled Worker, Global Talent, Innovator Founder, or Scale-Up visas. These may provide a path to permanent residency (ILR).
The High Potential Individual visa offers international graduates a flexible route into the UK workforce, with freedom to work, switch jobs, or start a business. However, as it does not lead directly to settlement, visa holders must plan ahead for switching to long-term visa categories.
KD Immigration Experts provide professional advice and support for HPI visa applicants and UK employers. We guide clients through every stage of the process, from application preparation to planning future visa routes.
