You may be eligible to apply for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa if you have been awarded a qualification from an eligible university within the last 5 years. The standard duration of an HPI visa is 2 years; however, if you hold a PhD or other doctoral-level qualification, you may be granted an HPI visa for 3 years.
The HPI visa is a flexible, non-sponsored route for high-achieving overseas graduates to live and start their career in the UK. It’s perfect for building experience, exploring opportunities, or founding a business. However, it’s a short-term stay, with no extension or direct settlement, so planning ahead (either to switch visas or understand future reforms) is crucial.
Your application for a High Potential Individual visa must be submitted in accordance with the eligibility criteria and requirements set out in Appendix High Potential Individual of the UK Immigration Rules.
At Premium Solicitors, our specialist team of work visa solicitors in London offer expert immigration advice and professional legal representation on a fixed-fee basis for your HPI visa application. As highly experienced UK work visa solicitors, we can assist you with the full range of applications under the High Potential Individual visa route.
- Page Contents
- Ask a Question for Free Advice
- Applications for High Potential Indvidual (HPI) Visa UK
- Our Team of Immigration Solicitors
- Book An Appointment
- Get a Fixed Fee Quote
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question for Free Advice
Our dedicated team of UK immigration solicitors and lawyers in London specialises in High Potential Individual (HPI) visa applications. We offer one-time free immigration advice online to address your specific enquiries about the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. You can either call our free immigration advice helpline, 0044 20 3930 3900, to simply ask a question to our specialist UK immigration solicitors in London for fast and friendly free immigration advice and consultation, or you can schedule an appointment online for comprehensive and detailed immigration advice & consultation with one of our top-rated UK immigration solicitors and lawyers.
Applications for High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
The following are various applications under the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa category for which our specialist team of UK immigration solicitors can provide expert legal services:
- Entry Clearance for High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
- Switching to a High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
Our Team of Leading Immigration Solicitors in London
Premium Solicitors Ltd is a London-based law firm specialising in providing high-quality legal services to individuals seeking to apply for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. Their expertise in immigration law ensures that clients receive personalised and thorough assistance throughout the immigration application process. The firm is particularly skilled in handling complex immigration cases. Their in-depth knowledge of UK immigration law allows them to navigate these challenges effectively, increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.
Premium Solicitors Ltd is known for its client-focused approach, offering clear communication and support throughout the process. They understand the emotional and financial stress involved in UK immigration matters and work diligently to alleviate these concerns by providing transparent and reliable legal services. By choosing Premium Solicitors Ltd, clients benefit from a high level of expertise and a commitment to achieving the best possible results for their UK immigration applications. The firm’s reputation for thoroughness, professionalism, and success makes it a top choice for individuals seeking to apply for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.
The exceptional quality of our UK visa and immigration services is reflected in our 5-star Google Reviews rating, with 99% of our clients expressing their satisfaction. Our dedicated team of London-based UK immigration solicitors is available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, providing unwavering dedication and outstanding legal support for all types of applications under the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa category.
At Premium Solicitors, located in the heart of London, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled UK immigration services through our team of dedicated and specialist immigration solicitors. Our team is composed of experienced professionals who possess a deep understanding of the complexities involved in UK immigration laws. This expertise allows us to provide bespoke solutions tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
Meet Our Key Team of UK Immigration Solicitors:
Arshad Mahmood
Specialist UK visa and Immigration Solicitor with experience of more than 20 years.
Tushita Scalzullo
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Nargis Khodadady
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Asad Malik
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Alina Rizvi
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration Solicitor
Victoria Gbenoba
Specialist UK Visa and Immigration SolicitorIf you are in need of expert immigration advice and representation for your High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application, look no further than Premium Solicitors in London. Our team of seasoned UK immigration solicitors is here to provide you with the professional support you need to navigate the complexities of your UK immigration application. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards achieving your UK visa and immigration goals. At Premium Solicitors, your successful High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is our top priority. Let our expertise be your advantage.
Schedule Your Consultation With Our Immigration Solicitors
Looking for the best immigration advice and consultation for your High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application? Our team of leading immigration solicitors for UK visas are ready to give specialist legal advice for your High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. Our expert team of UK visa solicitors and advisors can provide comprehensive and detailed immigration advice and consultation face-to-face in our offices in London or Birmingham or virtually through Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Phone etc. Book your appointment today with one of our experienced UK visa solicitors using the appointment booking link provided below:
Get a Fixed Fee Quote for Your High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Application
At Premium Solicitors, we are committed to transparency and clarity. That’s why we offer fixed-fee quotes for all our specialist UK visa and immigration services, with no hidden costs.
Ready to begin? Click the link below to request a personalised fixed-fee quote tailored to your immigration needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are various Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa:
The UK Government introduced the High Potential Individual (HPI) on 30 May 2022. The HPI visa allows recent graduates from top global universities to live and work in the UK without needing a job offer. It is designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the UK economy.
You are eligible for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa if you have been awarded a qualification (bachelor's, master's, or PhD) within the last 5 years from an institution listed on the Home Office's Global Universities List for the year you graduated.
The grant period of the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is dependent on your level of qualification.
- You will be granted a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for up to 2 years if the basis of your High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
- You will be granted a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for up to 3 years if the basis of your High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
No. A job offer is not required to apply for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.
Yes, you may be able to switch from the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa to other long-term visa categories from inside the UK, such as the Skilled Worker visa or Global Talent visa, provided you meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
No. The HPI visa does not directly lead to settlement. However, time spent under other eligible visa routes after switching may count towards settlement.
Additionally, all time spent on the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa will count toward the 10-year residence period required to qualify for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) based on 10 years of residence.
Yes. Your dependent partner and children can apply to join or accompany you in the UK as your dependants.
You must have sufficient funds to support yourself. Currently, you need to show at least £1,270 available for 28 days before applying, unless you are exempt.
If you are switching to an HPI visa from within the UK and have been lawfully resident in the UK for the last 12 months, you will not be required to demonstrate any funds for maintenance.
Yes. You must meet the English language requirement at level B1 (intermediate) in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
To be eligible for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa, you will need to provide:
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A qualification awarded in the past 5 years.
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Confirmation that your university is on the Global Universities List for the year you graduated.
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A statement from Ecctis confirming the qualification’s eligibility and comparability to UK standards.
No. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa cannot be extended. Before the expiry of your HPI visa, you will need to switch to another visa category if you wish to remain in the UK after your visa expires.
Most applications are decided within 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.
Yes. You can work (including self-employment) and study in the UK. However, you cannot work as a professional sportsperson.
The full requirements are set out in Appendix High Potential Individual of the UK Immigration Rules.
To apply for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa UK, you must:
- be 18 or above
- hold an eligible foreign degree, awarded within 5 years from the Global Universities List in the award year
- not have previously held a Graduate, Doctorate Extension Scheme, or HPI visa
While in the UK on an HPI visa, you can:
- Work in most roles, including self-employment or voluntary work;
- Study, unless the course qualifies for a Student route;
- Bring dependants (partner and children);
- Travel in and out of the UK freely;
You cannot access public funds or work as a professional sportsperson
The key requirements for the HPI visa UK include the following:
Degree eligibility: Must be from a top-ranked overseas university (Global Universities List) and within 5 years.
English language: CEFR B1 level minimum, unless exempt (e.g., degree taught in English).
Finances: A minimum of £1,270 must be held for 28 consecutive days before applying (this requirement is waived if you are in the UK on a valid visa for the prior 12 months).
Ecctis statement: Degree must be verified via the Ecctis statement.
The documents required for the application may vary depending on your personal circumstances. Usually, you will need the following documents to apply for an HPI visa UK:
- Valid passport;
- English language test certificate;
- Your degree certificate and the Ecctis qualification statement;
- Bank statements for funds (unless exempt);
- If applicable, Tuberculosis Test certificate (TB test certificate).