The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route is designed to attract the world’s brightest and best graduates seeking employment in the UK. This pathway is part of the UK government’s plan to boost the UK as an international hub for emerging technologies. Unlike other visas, such as the Skilled Worker or Scale-up, the HPI route is unique because it does not require a job offer or sponsorship.
Who Is eligible for the HPI visa?
The HPI route is designed for recent graduates from specific top-ranking overseas universities who aim to work or job hunt in the UK. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years old and have been awarded an overseas degree level academic qualification verified by Ecctis as meeting the UK equivalent of a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in the 5 years preceding the date of the application.
It is worth noting that the visa is available only to those with degrees from institutions on the Global Universities List at the time they received their degree. This list is updated annually and includes universities in the top 50 of recognised rankings (excluding UK universities).
Key requirements for the HPI visa
To qualify, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
- Degree Requirement
You must hold a degree from an eligible university on the UK’s Global Universities List. The degree must be equivalent to a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate degree, verified by Ecctis. Only recent graduates (within the past five years) are eligible.
- English language proficiency (level B1), either by:
You must demonstrate intermediate English proficiency (level B1), either by:
- Being from a majority English-speaking country,
- Passing an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT),
- Holding a degree taught in English, or
- Having a prior UK qualification in English.
- Financial requirement
Applicants typically need £1,270 in savings held for at least 28 days within a specific timeframe. Individuals who have been in the UK for over a year may not need to show proof of funds.
- Health requirements
Applicants from countries where Tuberculosis (TB) is prevalent need to provide a negative TB test as part of the application.
- Previous visa restrictions
Those who have already held an HPI Visa or were granted visas under the Graduate or Student Doctorate Extension Schemes are not eligible for another HPI visa.
How long can you stay on an HPI visa?
The HPI visa grants a stay period based on the applicant’s highest qualification. If you hold a PhD or other doctoral qualification, you will be permitted to stay on this visa for a period of 3 years. If you hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree, this will allow you to remain in the UK for 2 years.
This visa cannot be extended. However, visa holders may switch to another visa route that offers longer-term residence in the UK.
Conditions of stay as an HPI visa holder
While in the UK, HPI visa holders can work in most roles, including self-employment and voluntary work (except professional sports), or study (except for programmes that fall under the UK’s Student route). However, HPI holders are not permitted to access public funds.
Pathways to extend your stay or settle in the UK
Although the HPI visa itself does not lead to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain, or ILR), it opens doors to other visa routes that could provide long-term residency options. Before your HPI visa expires, you may be able to switch to the Skilled Worker visa, the Global Talent visa or the Innovator Founder visa.
Switching to one of these routes can potentially lead to ILR, allowing you to establish long-term residence in the UK.
The HPI visa offers an exciting opportunity for top graduates from around the world to explore career and life opportunities in the UK without needing a job offer or sponsorship. By fulfilling key requirements for education, language and finances, eligible individuals can secure a temporary stay in the UK, with options to extend their stay through other visa pathways.
The HPI visa can be one of the more difficult to obtain, it is recommended that you consider consulting a UK immigration solicitor to discuss your unique situation and explore the possibilities this route offers.
Updated 19 November 2024
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The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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