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High Potential Individual Visa
The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa category is designed for individuals from abroad who have recently obtained a degree-level academic credential from a leading global university and are interested in working or seeking employment in the UK. Key points to remember when considering the HPI visa include:
- A job offer is not a prerequisite for application.
- Applications can be made from within the UK or from abroad.
- Qualifications obtained from universities within the UK are not eligible under this scheme.
- Those with imminent or recently completed UK degree-level qualifications should explore the Graduate or Skilled Worker visa as alternatives.
Implemented on 30 May 2022, the High Potential Individual scheme aims to attract highly capable individuals to address the UK’s considerable need for skilled labor.
Eligibility for the UK High Potential Individual Visa
To qualify for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you must:
- Have been awarded a degree from a top international university recognized by the UK Home Office within the last five years.
- Hold a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, postgraduate degree, or a Ph.D. or doctorate.
- Meet the English language requirement, which is at least a B1 level.
- Show proof of sufficient personal savings to support yourself during your stay in the UK, unless you have been living in the UK for at least a year, in which case this requirement does not apply.
It’s important to note the conditions that make an individual ineligible for the HPI visa:
- Having previously been granted an HPI visa, as only one application per individual is permitted.
- Having previously been granted a Graduate visa.
- Having previously lived in the UK under the Doctorate Extension Scheme.
The University Criteria for the High Potential Individual Visa
For the HPI visa, your degree must be an overseas qualification awarded within the last five years and be equivalent to or higher than a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. The degree’s equivalency is verified by Ecctis, and you must submit your qualifications with a processing fee for assessment before applying for the visa. UK university degrees are not valid for the HPI visa application.
Each year, the UK government releases a list of the top 50 non-UK universities whose qualifications are recognized for the HPI visa. This High Potential Individual visa university list is essential for eligibility and is updated annually. The list for 2021 can be referred to for current qualifications.
Always refer to the most recent official list on the Home Office website, matching the list with your year of graduation for the latest and most accurate information.
Qualifying universities for HPI visa | Country of University |
California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | USA |
Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) | Hong Kong |
Columbia University | USA |
Cornell University | USA |
Duke University | USA |
Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL Switzerland) | Switzerland |
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) | Switzerland |
Harvard University | USA |
Johns Hopkins University | USA |
Karolinska Institute | Sweden |
Kyoto University | Japan |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | USA |
McGill University | Canada |
Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | Singapore |
National University of Singapore | Singapore |
New York University (NYU) | USA |
Northwestern University | USA |
Paris Sciences et Lettres – PSL Research University | France |
Peking University | China |
Princeton University | USA |
Stanford University | USA |
Tsinghua University | China |
University of British Columbia | Canada |
University of California, Berkeley | USA |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | USA |
University of California, San Diego | USA |
University of Chicago US | USA |
University of Hong Kong | Hong Kong |
University of Melbourne | Australia |
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | USA |
University of Munich (LMU Munich) | Germany |
University of Pennsylvania | USA |
University of Texas at Austin | USA |
University of Tokyo | Japan |
University of Toronto | Canada |
University of Washington | USA |
Yale University | USA |
English Proficiency Requirements for the High Potential Individual Visa
For the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, proving English language proficiency is essential. Applicants must demonstrate their language skills by:
- Achieving a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) Level B1 or above, covering speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- Possessing a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, obtained from a UK educational institution before turning 18.
- Holding a degree-level academic qualification taught in English, recognized as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s, master’s degree, or Ph.D.
- Being a national of an exempt country, deemed to be an English-speaking nation.
Financial Requirements for the High Potential Individual Visa
Applicants must show they have sufficient funds. This is currently set at a minimum of £1,270, held for 28 consecutive days before applying. Those who have lived in the UK for 12 months or more on a valid visa are exempt from this requirement.
Checklist of Documents for the High Potential Individual Visa Application
A successful application typically requires:
- An Academic Qualification Level Statement from Ecctis confirming your eligibility.
- Proof of English language proficiency, such as a SELT certificate at CEFR Level B1 or documentation of a degree taught in English.
- Bank statements showing at least £1,270 held for 28 consecutive days.
- A valid passport.
- A Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or proof of current UK immigration status if applicable.
- Relationship evidence if dependents are included in your application.
- TB test results if required by your country of residence.
Please note that additional documents may be needed depending on your specific circumstances.
Application Process for the UK High Potential Individual Visa
To apply, you should:
- Obtain qualification validation from Ecctis.
- Complete the online HPI visa application form.
- Pay the application fees.
- Book and attend a biometric appointment, either at a UKVCAS service point in the UK or a VAC abroad, or use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app if eligible.
- Upload the necessary documents to the UKVI portal.
- Attend the biometric appointment.
Decisions are generally made within 3 weeks.
Duration of the High Potential Individual Visa
The visa lasts for 2 to 3 years, depending on your qualification level. Doctorate holders can stay for up to 3 years, while other degree holders are granted up to 2 years. There are no extensions; those wishing to stay longer should apply for a different visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
Bringing Dependents on a High Potential Individual Visa
Dependents such as partners and children may join you in the UK. They must apply separately, cover individual fees, provide biometric data, and meet all the requirements for entry or stay, including maintenance funds:
- £285 for a partner.
- £315 for one child.
- £200 for each additional child.
Some circumstances may disqualify dependents from accompanying an HPI visa holder.
High Potential Individual Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)
The HPI visa does not directly lead to ILR. Before your visa expires, you may switch to a visa category that can lead to ILR, such as a Family, Global Talent, or Innovator visa. You may then be eligible for ILR after 2, 3, or 5 years of continuous residence. After a year with ILR, you might qualify for UK citizenship.