Join the UK's EliteTalent Pool
Top university graduate visa with 98%+ success rate. Work for 2-3 years without sponsor, then switch to settlement route.
For MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, Cambridge graduates! NO sponsor needed. Work in ANY job. 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD). Degree from last 5 years.
*Success rates based on properly prepared cases. UKVI makes final decisions on all applications.
Free HPI Visa Assessment
Expert advice for top university graduates • Same-day callback
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is for graduates from the world's top 50 universities. Work in the UK for 2-3 years without sponsor or job offer. Your degree must be from the last 5 years from an eligible global university.
Elite Universities Only
For graduates of top 50 global universities: MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Cambridge, Oxford, Princeton, and more.
No Sponsor Required
Work without Certificate of Sponsorship. No job offer needed. Complete freedom to explore UK careers.
2-3 Years Duration
2 years for bachelor's/master's. 3 years for PhD. Use time to secure Skilled Worker job for settlement.
Last 5 Years Only
Degree must be awarded within 5 years before application. University must have been top 50 in graduation year.
Ecctis Verification Required
Must verify overseas degree with Ecctis (£210-£252). Confirms qualification is equivalent to UK degree.
Gateway to Settlement
Switch to Skilled Worker (£38,700+) before HPI expires. Then ILR after 5 years and citizenship after 6 years.
Perfect for Elite Global Graduates
The HPI Visa recognizes your achievement of graduating from a world-leading university. Unlike the Graduate Visa (for UK university graduates only), HPI is for international graduates from MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Cambridge, Oxford, Caltech, ETH Zurich, National University of Singapore, and other top 50 institutions. Your degree must be from the last 5 years, and you need Ecctis verification (£210-£252) to confirm it's equivalent to a UK degree. NO sponsor or job offer required! Work in any role, start a business, or be self-employed. After 2-3 years, switch to Skilled Worker visa (£38,700+ salary, eligible occupation) for the pathway to permanent residence (ILR after 5 years) and British citizenship (after 6 years total). This is a one-time opportunity - you cannot apply again even if you complete another degree.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for HPI Visa, you must be a recent graduate from a top 50 global university with specific qualifications.
University & Degree Requirements
- Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from top 50 global university
- University in top 50 of at least 2 major rankings (THE, QS, or ARWU)
- Degree awarded within last 5 years before application
- University on Global Universities List in year degree awarded
- Degree verified by Ecctis (£210 outside UK, £252 inside UK)
- Not a UK degree (UK graduates use Graduate Visa instead)
Check University List
Examples: MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Caltech, Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial, ETH Zurich, NUS, Peking, Tsinghua. Check official list at gov.uk for your graduation year.
English & Financial Requirements
- English at B1 level (IELTS, degree in English, or English-speaking country)
- £1,270 in savings for 28 consecutive days (unless 12+ months in UK)
- Not previously held HPI, Graduate, or Doctorate Extension Scheme visa
- At least 18 years old at application date
- No serious criminal convictions or immigration violations
- Can apply from inside or outside UK
One-Time Opportunity!
HPI Visa is one-time only. Cannot extend or reapply. Use your 2-3 years wisely to secure Skilled Worker job for settlement pathway!
What You Can Do on HPI Visa
✓ Allowed Activities
- Work in any job at any skill level (no minimum salary)
- Change employers freely without notification
- Be self-employed and run your own business
- Work multiple jobs simultaneously
- Do volunteer and charity work
- Study any course at any level (no restrictions)
- Look for work while unemployed
- Travel in and out of UK without restrictions
- Bring partner and children under 18 as dependents
✗ Not Allowed
- ×Work as professional sportsperson or sports coach
- ×Access public funds (benefits, social housing)
- ×Extend visa beyond 2-3 years (one-time only)
- ×Apply if you've had HPI, Graduate, or DES visa before
- ×Apply with UK university degree (use Graduate Visa instead)
Required Documents
Comprehensive document checklist for HPI Visa application - organized and complete for success.
Identity Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Biometric information (photo/fingerprints)
- Current UK visa/BRP (if in UK)
- Travel history documentation
Academic Qualifications
- Degree certificate (bachelor's/master's/PhD)
- Academic transcripts
- Ecctis Statement of Comparability (mandatory)
- Proof university on Global Universities List
English Language Proof
- IELTS or approved SELT test (B1 level)
- OR degree taught in English (certificate)
- OR passport from English-speaking country
- Test must be from approved provider
Financial Evidence
- Bank statements showing £1,270
- Held for 28 consecutive days
- Ending within 31 days of application
- Exempt if 12+ months in UK
Health & Character
- TB test certificate (if from listed country)
- Criminal record certificate (if applicable)
- No serious immigration violations
- Medical reports (if health condition)
For Dependents
- Marriage/civil partnership certificate
- Children's birth certificates
- Proof of relationship (photos, joint docs)
- Financial maintenance (£285 per person)
Ecctis Verification - Critical First Step
You CANNOT apply for HPI Visa without Ecctis verification. This official statement confirms your overseas degree is equivalent to a UK qualification. Apply at ecctis.com, submit degree certificate and transcripts, wait 15 working days (standard) or 3 days (priority). Cost: £210 (outside UK) or £252 (inside UK). The Statement of Comparability is mandatory for your visa application - start this process immediately as it's the longest lead-time item.
Application Process
7-step process for HPI Visa - from university verification to UK arrival and settlement planning.
Check University Eligibility and Rankings
Verify your university appears in top 50 of at least 2 of these rankings in the year your degree was awarded: Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, or Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Ranking). Your degree must be from last 5 years. Check official Global Universities List at gov.uk for your graduation year. Examples: MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Caltech, Cambridge, Oxford, Imperial College London, ETH Zurich, NUS, University of Tokyo, Peking University, Tsinghua University.
Obtain Ecctis Verification (Mandatory)
Apply to Ecctis (ecctis.com) for Statement of Comparability. This confirms your overseas degree is equivalent to UK bachelor's, master's, or PhD. Submit degree certificate, transcripts, and translation (if not in English). Cost: £210 (outside UK) or £252 (inside UK). Processing: 15 working days (standard) or 3 days (priority +£70). You CANNOT apply for HPI Visa without this verification. Start immediately as this is longest lead-time item (2-4 weeks total).
Prepare English Language Evidence
Prove English at B1 CEFR level through: (1) Approved SELT test (IELTS for UKVI, Pearson PTE, LanguageCert) - B1 or higher, OR (2) Degree taught entirely in English with certificate from university stating this, OR (3) National of majority English-speaking country (USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc.). If taking test, ensure it's SELT-approved and taken within 2 years. Most top universities teach in English so option 2 usually easiest.
Complete Online Application and Pay Fees
Apply online through UK government website. Can apply from inside or outside UK. Pay £822 application fee plus Immigration Health Surcharge: £2,070 for 2-year visa (bachelor's/master's) or £3,105 for 3-year visa (PhD). Total: £2,892 (2 years) or £3,927 (3 years). Priority services available: £500 (priority - 5 days) or £1,000 (super priority - 24 hours). Provide accurate details - errors cause delays or refusals.
Provide Biometrics and Submit Documents
Attend biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo) at visa application center or use UK Immigration ID Check app (if eligible inside UK). Upload all documents: passport, degree certificate, Ecctis Statement of Comparability, English language evidence, bank statements (£1,270 for 28+ days, exempt if 12+ months in UK), TB test (if from listed country). Dependents apply separately with relationship proof and additional financial evidence (£285 per person).
Receive Decision and Travel to UK
Wait for decision: 3 weeks (outside UK) or 8 weeks (inside UK). Super Priority (1 day) or Priority (5 days) available. Once approved, receive visa vignette in passport (if outside UK) or digital status (if inside UK). Travel to UK within visa validity. Collect BRP within 10 days of arrival (if outside UK applicant). Your 2-3 year HPI Visa period begins from date specified in decision letter. Start working immediately - no restrictions on employment type or salary level.
Plan Settlement Pathway (Skilled Worker Switch)
Use your 2-3 years strategically to secure Skilled Worker job. Requirements: eligible occupation code (check gov.uk skilled occupations), £38,700+ annual salary (or occupation rate if higher), employer with sponsor licence. Start planning 6-12 months before HPI expires. Switch to Skilled Worker from inside UK (£885 + IHS). After 5 years on Skilled Worker, apply for ILR (permanent residence). After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Total timeline from HPI to citizenship: 8-9 years. We help HPI holders identify sponsoring employers and manage switch process for maximum success.
Settlement Pathway Timeline
Year 0-2/3: High Potential Individual Visa - work freely, gain UK experience, find Skilled Worker job
Year 2/3-7/8: Skilled Worker visa - 5 years continuous residence required for ILR
Year 7/8: Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (permanent residence)
Year 8/9: Apply for British citizenship (12 months after ILR)
Total: 8-9 years from HPI Visa to British citizenship. Plan your settlement route from day one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about the High Potential Individual Visa for elite university graduates.
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Our specialist knowledge of High Potential Individual Visa applications and settlement pathways has helped over 4,200 top university graduates successfully obtain HPI Visas and transition to Skilled Worker routes with Loading... requirements. We guide graduates from MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Cambridge, Oxford, and all top 50 global universities to permanent UK residence.
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