UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

The UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is designed for graduates from top global universities who want to live and work in the UK. This visa allows individuals with a qualification from an eligible university to stay in the UK for up to two years, or three years for PhD holders, without needing a job offer.

While you cannot apply for UK PR Visa with this, it's a great opportunity for talented individuals to explore job options and build their careers in the UK. The HPI Visa is part of the UK's strategy to attract skilled workers and boost innovation in various sectors, making it an exciting option for international graduates.

Apply for UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa

UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa, you must:

• Have been awarded by an eligible university: To be eligible for this visa, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university. The list of eligible universities is based on the ranking of universities from around the world - which is updated every year.

• Have an eligible qualification: Your qualification must be at the same level as a UK Bachelor’s degree, UK Master’s degree, or a UK PhD/Doctorate.

• Prove your knowledge of English: To apply for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa, you must prove that you can read, write, speak, and understand English to at least Level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.

• Have enough money to support yourself in the UK: You must have at least £1,270 in your bank account to demonstrate your financial ability to support yourself in the UK.

UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Documents Required

When applying for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa, you will need to provide:

• A valid passport and other identity documents.
• Proof of knowledge of English.
• Evidence of funds to support yourself in the UK.

Other documents you might need

• Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP).
• Proof of relationship with dependents (partner and children) if they are applying with you.
• Your tuberculosis test results report.

You will be asked to provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.

How to apply for UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa?

You must apply for UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa online. You can only apply for this visa once. How you apply depends on whether you are currently living:

• Outside the UK.
• Inside the UK and extending your current visa.
• Inside the UK and switching from a different visa.

Note: The application process for UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa can get a bit complex, especially for first-timers. Seek guidance from the best UK Immigration Consultants in India at Nationwide Visas if you are having trouble.

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UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Costs

Application costs

The standard application fee for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is £822.

Money to support yourself

You need to have at least £1,270 in your bank account to prove you can support yourself in the UK. This amount must be held in your account for at least 28 consecutive days, with the last day falling within 31 days before your visa application. Additionally, your partner and children must also show they have enough funds to support themselves while in the UK. You or your dependent will need:

• £285 for your partner.
• £315 for one child.
• £200 for each additional child.

Healthcare surcharge

You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay in the UK. If you are eligible for a UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa for:

• 2 years: £2,070.
• 3 years: £3,105.

UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Processing Time

According to the latest UK Visa processing time, the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is processed within 3 weeks if you are outside the UK and 8 weeks if you are inside the UK. 

UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa Validity

A UK High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa is valid for 2 years. If you have a PhD or Doctoral qualification, it is valid for 3 years. 

You cannot extend the HPI Visa. If you want to stay longer, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example, the UK Skilled Worker Visa.

Need help?

Get in touch with Nationwide Visas, one of the best UK Immigration Consultants in India. Our team will evaluate your case, offering the best solutions to immigrate to UK under the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa. Whether you need help with your application, documentation, or settling in the UK - we’ve got you covered. Get a free consultation session and determine the best option to apply for your situation.