Guide to the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

Want to launch your global career in the UK without needing a job offer first?

The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is one of the most flexible UK immigration options for ambitious graduates from top global universities.

Whether you’re looking to start your career, freelance, explore job opportunities, or even launch your own business, the HPI visa gives you the freedom to do just that without being tied to a single employer.

Let’s consider what goes into the HPI visa application and how Deel’s immigration services can help you every step of the way.

What is the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa?

The HPI visa is a short-term work visa designed for recent graduates from top global universities.

If you earned your degree within the last five years from a school on the UK’s approved list, you might qualify.

This visa is a way for the UK to attract talented people like you with strong academic backgrounds and global potential. While it helps you get your feet in the door, it doesn’t lead directly to permanent residency.

You’ll still need to apply for longer-term visa options down the line.

How long can you stay in the UK on an HPI visa?

With the HPI visa, you are permitted to stay in the UK for up to 2 years if you hold an undergraduate or Master’s degree. For PhD or doctoral qualifications, the visa allows you to stay for three years.

Can you extend your stay in the UK?

The HPI visa is not extendable. However, to stay longer in the UK, you are allowed to switch to any of the following visas:

• Student visa
• Graduate visa
• Skilled Worker visa

How to qualify for the High Potential Individual Visa

To qualify for the HPI visa, you need to meet a few key requirements, most importantly, where and when you graduated.

First, you must have earned a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD) within the last five years from a university on the UK government’s Global Universities List.

The list changes yearly and includes top-ranking institutions from around the world, such as Harvard, the University of Toronto, Johns Hopkins University, and a few dozen others.

You can check the latest list here:

• 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025
• 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024
• 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023
• 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022
• 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021
• 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020

Second, you’ll need to prove English language proficiency. This usually means passing an approved English test unless you’re from a majority English-speaking country or your degree was taught in English (and from an eligible country).

You’ll also need to show you have enough personal savings to support yourself when you arrive. Currently, the threshold is at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before your application. This proof of funds doesn’t apply if you’ve already been living in the UK for more than 12 months.

Lastly, you must be 18 years old or older and provide a valid passport, as well as supporting documents, including your degree certificate and, in some cases, confirmation from Ecctis (a UK body that verifies international qualifications).

It sounds like a lot, but the bar is clear: the visa is for high-potential graduates who want the freedom to explore the UK job market and possibly build a future there.

And if you’re unsure how to manage all the moving parts—eligibility checks, document prep, timelines, or application support—Deel’s immigration services can help.

We work with individuals navigating global relocation to make sure your visa application is smooth, compliant, and stress-free. From confirming your university’s eligibility to guiding you through the Ecctis process, Deel simplifies every step so you can focus on your next big move.

Benefits of the HPI visa

The HPI visa unlocks a world of benefits for both you and the UK as a whole. Here are a few benefits you may enjoy as an HPI visa holder:

You don’t need a job offer

Unlike other UK visas, the HPI visa does not require a job offer from a UK employer to qualify. That means no sponsorship, paperwork from an employer, or restrictions on where or how you work once you arrive.

You have unrestricted opportunities

The HPI visa grants you the freedom to work and engage in entrepreneurial activities without limitations. Seize opportunities and drive innovation in your domain of expertise.

It provides a clear path to permanent residency

The HPI visa serves as a stepping stone to obtaining indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and British citizenship. It encourages you to integrate and contribute to British society in the long term.

It grants you access to public services

You and your family members have access to top-notch public services, including healthcare and education, ensuring your well-being and peace of mind.

You can bring your dependents

Your partner or children are allowed to come with you and live in the UK. They’ll need to apply as your dependents and meet a few financial and eligibility requirements. Once approved, they’ll have the same rights to live, study, and work in the UK while your visa is active.

It offers networking and collaboration avenues

The HPI visa allows you to immerse yourself in the UK’s vibrant community of professionals and world-class institutions. You can also connect, collaborate, and learn from the brightest minds across diverse industries.

How to apply for the HPI visa

Applying for the HPI visa is mostly online, but it requires some prep work. Here’s what to expect, step by step.

Check if your university is eligible

Start by confirming that your degree was awarded by a university on the UK’s Global Universities List for the year you graduated. This is a non-negotiable requirement, as you might have noticed from the emphasis placed on it throughout this guide.

Get your documents in order

You’ll need to gather:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Your university degree certificate or official transcript
• Proof of English proficiency (if required)
• Evidence of funds
• Ecctis confirmation
• Proof of your relationship with your dependents
• Your tuberculosis (TB) test results, if you're from a country where the UK requires it

Apply online

You’ll apply through the official UK Home Office website. Follow the prompts to fill in your personal details and education history, and submit supporting documents.

Pay the fees

The visa application fee is £880. In addition, you’ll need to pay £252 for Ecctis to check your qualifications and £1,035 for the healthcare surcharge for every year you’re in the UK.

Book your biometrics appointment

After submitting your application, you’ll be asked to visit a visa application center (VAC) in your country to provide fingerprints and a photo. Another option is to use the “UK Immigration: ID Check” app to scan your identity document.

Wait for a decision

In most cases, you’ll get a decision within 3 to 8 weeks, depending on where you are applying from. If approved, you’ll receive a visa vignette in your passport or a digital visa confirmation.

If this process feels overwhelming—especially when it comes to Ecctis, financial proof, or interpreting eligibility rules—Deel’s immigration team can walk you through it. We help individuals prepare their documents, understand requirements, and apply with confidence, removing guesswork from an already stressful process.

What can you do on an HPI visa?

The HPI visa gives you more flexibility than most UK work visas, but there are still some guardrails to keep in mind.

You can:

• Apply for jobs
• Work as a freelancer/entrepreneur
• Live with your children and partner, if they are eligible
• Engage in volunteering activities
• Travel the world and return to the UK at any time

What can’t you do on a UK HPI visa?

You cannot:

• Apply for public funds, including state pensions, disability allowances, and other benefits.
• Work as a professional sportsperson
• Apply for an HPI visa extension
• Apply for UK permanent residency

Studying with an HPI visa

With the HPI visa, you’re only allowed to study if the course you’re studying is not eligible for a student visa. However, if the course is eligible for a student visa, you are required to apply for a Student visa or extend it if you already hold one.

You can check if any course you’re studying is ineligible for a student visa.

The HPI visa also requires that you apply for an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) certificate if you want to research or study sensitive topics.

Switching UK visas?

Suppose you are looking to switch from another UK visa to an HPI Visa. In that case, you must provide your biometric residence permit (BRP) or any other documents verifying your UK immigration status.

You are also expected to stay within the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man until your HPI visa application is approved.

Fast-track your UK adventure with visa and immigration support from Deel

Working abroad is an opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it’s a complex process to navigate alone. Fortunately, Deel’s in-house visa and immigration experts are here to help.

We handle everything, from assessing eligibility (free of charge), collecting required documentation, providing visa sponsorship, filing visa applications, and collaborating with local governments to streamline the process for everyone involved.

With Deel’s global visa service, you’ll receive the following:

• One-on-one support: Whether you have a case-specific question or a general inquiry, we are always available to provide the information and guidance you need
• Free visa assessment: Get a quick visa assessment in under 48 hours, including a cost breakdown and documentation requirements for your application process, all for free
• Accelerated immigration: Leave all the admin to our experts. We handle the visa sponsorship, application process, and compliance in a fraction of the time
• Real-time application updates: Track the status of your application via your personal Deel dashboard
• Singularized application process: Enjoy a stress-free process, with access to an application platform that shows your documents and all other important information in one place

Ready to start your next adventure? Learn more about Deel’s visa and immigration support, or book a free consultation with an expert to get your questions answered.

Frequently asked questions about the HPI visa