The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets recent graduates of the world's top-ranked universities live and work in the United Kingdom without a job offer or employer sponsorship. Introduced in May 2022, it targets graduates of non-UK institutions that appear on the annually published Global Universities List — universities ranked in the top tiers across at least two of three major ranking systems (Times Higher Education, QS, and Shanghai/ARWU). Holders may work in any capacity, be self-employed, study, or volunteer. The visa can only be obtained once in a lifetime and does not lead to settlement, so holders who want to stay must switch to another route before it expires.
The B2 English requirement can be met with a Secure English Language Test (SELT), a degree taught in English, UK school qualifications (GCSE, A Level, or Scottish equivalents), or by holding the nationality of one of 18 exempt English-speaking countries (including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA). Applicants who were previously granted permission at B1 level continue to be assessed at B1 when extending on the same route.
The Global Universities List is published annually by the Home Office and includes roughly 120 non-UK universities across 20+ countries — among them Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Caltech, ETH Zurich, Tsinghua, Peking, the University of Tokyo, NUS Singapore, and the University of Melbourne. The list that applies depends on when your degree was awarded, not when you apply.
The visa lasts 2 years for bachelor's or master's degree holders and 3 years for PhD or doctoral degree holders. It cannot be extended or renewed, and time spent on it does not count toward Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement). Holders who wish to remain in the UK must switch to another eligible route — such as Skilled Worker or Global Talent — before the visa expires.
Spouses, civil partners, unmarried partners (with a relationship of 2+ years), and children under 18 may apply as dependants. Additional funds must be shown for each: GBP 285 for a partner, GBP 315 for the first child, and GBP 200 for each further child, held for 28 consecutive days. Each dependant pays the GBP 880 application fee plus the Immigration Health Surcharge. Dependants may work (except as professional sportspersons) and study, and their visas expire on the same date as the main applicant's.
Applicants first pay Ecctis (GBP 252 including VAT) to verify that their qualification meets UK degree standards. After receiving confirmation, they apply online via GOV.UK, upload supporting documents, and pay the fees. Identity is verified either through the "UK Immigration: ID Check" app (for biometric passport holders) or at a biometric appointment at a visa application centre. Processing takes around 3 weeks when applying from outside the UK, or 8 weeks when switching from within the UK.
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Since November 2025, the HPI route has been subject to an annual cap of 8,000 applications, running from 1 November to 31 October each year. The route may close mid-year if capacity is reached, and applicants are told during the online application if this happens.
Holders may work as an employee or self-employed, study, or volunteer. The only employment restriction is working as a professional sportsperson. There is no access to most public funds. Standard UK tax rules apply, and holders become UK tax residents if they meet the Statutory Residence Test thresholds.