What is the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa?

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets recent graduates from top international universities move to the UK for a set period to work, look for a job, or even start their own business. You don’t need a job offer or a sponsoring employer to apply. It’s designed to give talented graduates the freedom to explore career and life opportunities in the UK soon after finishing their studies abroad

Under the route:

  • A successful applicant with a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree from an eligible university may stay for 2 years.
  • If the qualification is a PhD or other doctorate level, then the stay may be up to 3 years.
  • Importantly, time spent on this visa does not count toward settlement (permanent residence) in the UK.

Eligibility and required qualifications

Applicants must meet a set of academic and other criteria:

The qualification must be from a university on the UK government’s approved ““Global Universities List” for the year of award.

The qualification must be at least equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate or doctorate degree, and must have been awarded in the 5 years prior to application.

UK-based universities are not eligible for this route; the route is directed at overseas graduates.

Applicants must meet the English language requirement (currently CEFR level B1, with a change to B2 from 8 January 2026) and have enough personal savings to support themselves upon arrival.

Application process and related costs

Applicants may apply from outside the UK or switch into the HPI route if already in the UK under certain visas (though there are specific restrictions).

Key cost elements include:

  • A visa application fee of £880.
  • Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of stay (so £2,070 for 2 years; £3,105 for 3 years) for the main applicant.
  • Maintenance funds: typically £1,270 in savings held for 28 days must be shown unless the applicant has been in the UK for 12+ months.

Dependant family members

Applicants may bring a partner and/or children as dependants if eligible. Their visa will align with the principal applicant’s stay and they too may work and study in the UK.

Monitoring and evaluation

The government published an evaluation of the HPI route showing that it remains a key attraction route for overseas graduates. The evaluation surveyed visa holders and explored their motivations and experiences.

What this means

For graduates from top international universities, the HPI visa offers a rare opportunity: to live and work in the UK without the need for employer sponsorship, and to explore career or business opportunities during a 2- or 3-year stay. For employers, this means improved access to global graduate talent without visa sponsorship requirements.

However, applicants must plan carefully, they must ensure their university appears on the correct university list for the relevant period, meet the language and funds criteria, and be fully aware that the visa is temporary. The time granted is fixed and the route does not lead directly to settlement.

With its focus on attracting high-achieving international graduates, the HPI visa route remains a key plank in the UK’s talent strategy. For eligible applicants, it offers freedom and flexibility during a defined stay. As global competition for talent grows, the HPI visa positions the UK as a destination for ambitious graduates seeking mobility, opportunity and experience.

More details here: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa