High potential individual visa

The high potential individual visa is designed for recent graduates from top global universities who want to work or seek employment in the UK without needing a job offer. It provides flexibility to explore career opportunities, gain UK work experience, and plan your longer-term future.

Following the Home Office reforms under HC 1333, the HPI route is being expanded to include more global universities but will now operate under an annual cap of 8,000 places. From January 2026, the English language requirement will also rise from B1 to B2.

Our immigration solicitors provide clear, practical advice to maximise your prospects of success and ensure your application is fully compliant with immigration rules. We also advise on switching options into long-term routes such as the skilled worker or innovator founder visa.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify for a high potential individual visa, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have been awarded a qualification from an eligible global university in the past five years.
• Meet the English language requirement (B2 level from 8 January 2026, previously B1).
• Have enough personal savings to support yourself (unless exempt).
• Apply from outside the UK unless you are switching from an eligible visa category.
• Ensure your qualification is from a university on the latest expanded list published under HC 1333.

Eligible universities

The Home Office publishes an annual list of eligible global universities based on world rankings. Your qualification must be equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD.

From 4 November 2025, the list will double in size but will be subject to the new 8,000 annual cap, ensuring only a set number of successful applications per year.

Application process

• Step 1 – Confirm eligibility: Ensure your university and qualification meet HPI requirements.
   
• Step 2 – Apply online: Submit your application, pay the visa fee and the immigration health surcharge, and provide supporting documents, including an Ecctis statement confirming your qualification level.
   
• Step 3 – Decision: Most applications are processed within three weeks for applicants outside the UK.

Length of stay

The HPI visa is granted for:

• Two years for applicants with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Three years for applicants with a PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification.

Work rights

With an HPI visa, you can:

• Work in most jobs, including self-employment.
• Work on a freelance basis.
• Volunteer.
• Study (with some restrictions).

Settlement

Time spent on an HPI visa does not count towards indefinite leave to remain. However, you may switch to a settlement-eligible visa, such as skilled worker or innovator founder, while in the UK.

How we help

The HPI visa process can be confusing, especially when interpreting eligibility rules. Common challenges include:

• Verifying whether your university appears on the Home Office list.
• Obtaining the required Ecctis statement.
• Ensuring your application is submitted within the five-year eligibility window.
• Advising on future visa options that may lead to settlement.
• Understanding how the new application cap and higher English standard affect eligibility.

Why choose us

We have in-depth knowledge of academic equivalency requirements and extensive experience in advising international graduates. Unlike firms that stop at the visa application, we help you map out your next steps — from skilled worker sponsorship to innovator founder visas — so you can turn your HPI stay into a longer-term future in the UK.

Get in touch

Contact our business immigration solicitors today to discuss your high potential individual visa and plan your next steps in the UK.