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High Potential Individual visa
A visa for graduates from top ranking worldwide universities so you can work in the UK without sponsorship.
What is the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa?
The High Potential Individual visa is a flexible work route for graduates from top ranking worldwide universities who want to work in the UK without sponsorship or a job offer.
Who is the High Potential Individual visa for?
The High Potential Individual visa is for graduates who have been awarded a qualification at degree level or above from selected top global universities. The qualification must have been awarded within the last five years, and the university must have been on the list at the time the degree was issued.
Eligible institutions are listed on the Global Universities List, which is updated annually. A university is included on the list if it appears in at least two of the three major global rankings. There are 100 eligible universities with an annual cap to 8,000 applications.
Applications can be made from inside or outside of the UK. Applicants must meet a minimum English language requirement and minimum financial requirement unless applying from inside of the UK and resident for the last 12 months.
Do I need a sponsor for a High Potential Individual visa?
The High Potential Individual visa allows you to work in the UK without sponsorship and without needing to meet any salary or skill level requirements. You can apply for this visa without having secured a job offer.
Can I be self-employed on the High Potential Individual visa?
Yes, you can be self‑employed, or set up and run your own business, giving you the flexibility to pursue a wide range of opportunities and ventures in the UK. The only restriction is you cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
Can dependent partners and children join on the High Potential Individual visa?
Yes, dependent partners and children can join an applicant on the High Potential Individual visa, unlike the UK Graduate visa, which is another common route used by graduates applying from within the UK.
How long can I stay on the High Potential Individual visa?
The visa is granted for 2 or 3 years, depending on the level of your eligible qualification. Applicants with degree‑level qualifications are granted 2 years, while those with a PhD or other doctoral‑level qualification are granted 3 years.
The visa cannot be extended beyond the initial grant period and this route does not lead to settlementSwitching from the High Potential Individual visa to other routes
You may decide to switch to other visas which do lead to settlement as soon as you meet the requirements of another visa. This will enable you to commence your timeline to settlement earlier.
Common routes include the Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa and Global Talent visa. The options available will depend on your circumstances and whether you meet the eligibility criteria.We’re here to help you
When it comes to obtaining reliable legal advice, Seraphus is your dedicated source of expert guidance.
We specialise in providing personalised support to help you navigate the complexities of the application process, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Contact us today using the contact us form.
High Potential Individual visa FAQs
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Do I need a job offer to apply for the High Potential Individual visa?
No. The route does not require sponsorship or a job offer, and there are no minimum salary thresholds nor skill level requirements. Making this a favourable visa compared to the Skilled Worker visa, however, please note unlike the Skilled worker visa the High Potential Individual route does not lead to settlement.
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Do I qualify for the High Potential Individual visa if my university is on the list; however, I have a qualification that is not a degree?
The qualification must be at least bachelor’s degree level or above to qualify for the High Potential Individual visa. Your qualification may also need to be verified by the approved qualification and English language assessment provider, Ecctis, to demonstrate the qualification is equivalent to degree level or above.
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I am on a Student visa. Can I switch to the High Potential Individual visa from inside the UK?
Yes. Students can switch to the High Potential Individual visa from within the UK, provided you have completed the course for which your Student visa was granted. If you meet this requirement and satisfy the other eligibility criteria, you can apply to switch into the High Potential Individual route from inside the UK.
If you are switching from the UK Student visa, the UK Graduate visa may also be an option. You may want to seek legal advice to assess which option is suitable for you.
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Can I be self employed on the High Potential Individual visa?
Yes. You can be self employed or set up and run your own business. You can also be employed. The only restriction is not working as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
A common pathway is switching to the Innovator Founder visa, however there are rules regarding applying with an already existing business. For more information on the Innovator Founder route or business visa, seek advice.
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