UK High Potential Individual (‘HPI’) Visa - An Immigration Lawyer’s Guide
The UK High Potential Individual (‘HPI’) visa is a flexible UK immigration route designed for high-achieving international graduates who want to live and work in the UK without employer sponsorship. Introduced in May 2022, the HPI visa supports the UK’s goal of attracting global academic talent. If you have recently graduated from a top-ranking overseas university, the HPI visa offers a unique way to build your career in the UK with freedom and flexibility. At our UK-regulated immigration law firm, we provide tailored legal advice and representation for individuals and employers navigating the HPI route.
What is the High Potential Individual Visa?
The HPI visa allows graduates of leading non-UK universities to enter the UK for 2 or 3 years (depending on qualification level) to work, job search or pursue entrepreneurial goal all without needing a job offer or sponsorship from an employer.
Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the HPI visa, you must:
Have a Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD/doctoral degree from an eligible university
Have been awarded the degree within the past 5 years
Have graduated from an institution on the Home Office’s Global Universities List for your graduation year
Meet the English language requirement (CEFR B1)
Show proof of financial maintenance unless exempt
It is imperative to note that UK universities do not qualify for individuals who are in the UK as students and graduated from a high-ranking university.
How Long Can You Stay on the HPI Visa?
2 years for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree holders
3 years for Phd or doctoral graduates
You can work, freelance, start a business or switch into longer-term eligible UK visa routes.
Can You Bring Family?
You can bring your dependant partner and children. Each dependant must apply separately and meet the relevant maintenance and documentation requirements.
Is the HPI Visa a Route to Settlement in the UK?
The HPI visa does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (‘ILR’). However, it offers a strong foundation to switch into other eligible long-term UK immigration routes including:
Skilled Worker visa (which does lead to ILR)
Global Talent visa
Innovator Founder visa
Other qualifying UK immigration categories
Does My University Qualify Under the Top Global Universities List?
Your university must appear on the Global Universities List for the year you were awarded your degree. This list is published annually by the UK Home Office and includes institutions ranked highly by at least two of the following:
Times Higher Education World Rankings
QS World University Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities
Why Choose the HPI Visa?
No need for a UK job offer or sponsorship
Full work rights and business flexibility
You can bring your dependant partner and children
Opportunity to transition into other UK immigration routes
Lower barrier to entry for recent graduates
This route is ideal for international graduates who want to explore career options in the UK or gain experience before committing to long-term relocation or employer-sponsored visas.
How We Can Help?
Our experienced UK Immigration Lawyer at Noble Rose Immigration Service offers:
Personalised eligibility assessment
End-to-end legal representation and application preparation
Strategic UK immigration legal advice on switching to Skilled Worker or Innovator Founder visa routes
Support with dependant applications
Clear guidance on supporting evidence and Eccles verification
A full breakdown of Our UK immigration legal services can be found on our Services page.
Book a Consultation
If you are a recent graduate from a top overseas university and want to work or establish yourself in the UK, the High Potential Individual visa could be the right starting point.
Contact Us Today or Schedule a consultation with Our UK-regulated immigration lawyer.