The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa is for foreign nationals who recently gained an overseas degree-level academic qualification from a top international university to come to the UK to work or look for work. If you are considering the High Potential Individual visa, it is important to note:

​

• You do not require a job offer to apply.

• It is possible to apply within or outside the UK.

• Degree-level qualifications gained from UK universities do not qualify.

• If you have or are just about to complete a degree level qualification or higher in the UK, consider the graduate visa or skilled worker visa as an alternative.

The High Potential Individual scheme was put in place on 30 May 2022 to encourage individuals with high levels of ability to meet the significant demand for skilled workers in the UK.

 

To qualify for UK High Potential Individual visa you must have been awarded an overseas degree qualification in the last 5 years from a top global university recognised by the Home Office. Below are the detailed HPI visa eligibility criteria:

 

• Have a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree, UK postgraduate degree, or UK Ph.D. or doctorate from an eligible university (only universities outside of the UK are eligible under this scheme) gained in the last 5 years.

• Meet the English language requirement: at least level B1

• Have enough personal savings to support yourself while in the UK (this requirement does not apply if you have already been in the UK for 1 year or more).

 

It is important to note that you cannot apply for an HPI visa UK if:

 

• You were previously granted an HPI visa (you can only apply once under this scheme)

• You were previously granted a Graduate visa

• You have already spent time in the UK as a Doctorate Extension Scheme student

 

Applicants for the High Potential Individual visa must have been awarded an overseas degree-level academic qualification during the 5 years before the date of their application. Your qualification must also meet or exceed the standard of a UK bachelor’s or UK postgraduate degree, according to Ecctis. You will need to submit an application to Ecctis and pay a fee to have your qualification checked before you can apply for your visa. Qualifications gained from a UK university do not qualify for the HPI visa.

 

The High Potential Individual visa university list is published by the government and is updated each year. The list contains the top 50 non-UK universities. Here is the latest qualifying universities list in 2021 for UK High Potential Individual visa.