High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 730 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £880
- Validity
- 2 years (3 years for PhD holders)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For graduates of top global universities (non-UK) who have been awarded their qualification within the last 5 years. Cannot be extended. Cannot apply if previously held a Graduate visa. The list of eligible universities is published annually by the UK government. Qualification must be at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree. Ecctis assessment required (£252 including VAT). English language requirement at level B2 (from 8 January 2026). Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year (full rate).
Eligibility
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Employment
Must have been awarded a qualification from an eligible global university within the last 5 years, at least equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree
Required status: Recent graduate of eligible global university
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Visa history
Cannot have previously held a UK Graduate visa
Required history: No previous Graduate visa
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements showing funds held for 28 consecutive days; Minimum amount: £1,270
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £880
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Language proficiency
Accepted tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Trinity College London, or degree taught in English-speaking country; Minimum score: B2 CEFR (from 8 January 2026)
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Credential assessment
Accepted agencies: Ecctis; Validity months: 12
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Degree attestation
Attesting authority: Ecctis (UK ENIC); Must be apostilled: No
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
How to apply
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Online application
Apply for Ecctis qualification assessment to verify your degree is from an eligible university and meets the required level (£252)
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Document gathering
Gather passport, Ecctis assessment result, proof of funds (£1,270 for 28 days), English language evidence, and TB test results (if applicable)
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application