High Potential Individual Visa 2026
For graduates of top global universities. Allows 2 years to work or look for work in the UK (3 years for PhD graduates). No job offer needed.
Application fee
£822
NHS surcharge
£776/year
Processing time
8 weeks
Who is eligible?
- Awarded a degree from a university on the eligible HPI list within the last 5 years
- Bachelor's or master's: 2-year visa; PhD: 3-year visa
- English language at B1 level
- No job offer required — you can look for work after arriving
How to apply — step by step
- 1Confirm your university appears on the HPI eligible universities list at gov.uk
- 2Apply online at gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa
- 3Pay the £822 fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
- 4Provide your degree certificate and English language evidence
Key requirements at a glance
- Degree from an eligible top global university in the last 5 years
- English language (B1)
Frequently asked questions
Which universities are on the HPI eligible list?▾
The list includes top-ranked universities from QS, Times Higher Education, and Academic Ranking of World Universities — including institutions in the US, Australia, Canada, China, India, Singapore and others. Check the current list at gov.uk as it updates annually.
Can I switch to a Skilled Worker visa from HPI?▾
Yes — and this is the most common next step. Once you find an employer willing to sponsor you, you can switch to a Skilled Worker visa from inside the UK before your HPI visa expires.
Does HPI visa time count towards ILR?▾
Yes, time on the HPI visa counts towards the 5-year continuous residence needed for ILR, provided you subsequently hold a qualifying visa (like Skilled Worker).
Next steps
Official application
Apply for the High Potential Individual Visa on GOV.UK
All visa applications are processed by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) via the official gov.uk website.
Apply on GOV.UK