The High Potential Individual visa

01

Check the right university list

A university’s reputation or present ranking is not enough. The institution must appear on the official list covering the month and year your qualification was awarded. UK universities do not qualify for HPI.

Ecctis assesses the qualification’s validity and UK equivalence; it does not decide whether the university appears on the relevant list. Keep these checks separate so you do not pay for an assessment on the wrong assumption.

02

English, funds and application availability

English is generally required at B2 across reading, writing, speaking and listening, unless an exemption or accepted prior evidence applies. An English-taught overseas degree may need the relevant Ecctis assessment.

Normally, £1,270 must have been held for twenty-eight consecutive days, with the final day within thirty-one days before applying. A qualifying twelve-month period of UK permission can remove this maintenance-evidence requirement. Family members have separate financial requirements.

The route has an annual limit of 8,000 applications, running from 1 November to 31 October. The online application confirms availability; an enquiry does not reserve a place.

03

Understand what this permission offers

HPI allows most work and self-employment. It cannot be extended and is not a direct settlement route. A future move to another visa needs its own eligibility check.

Previous permission as HPI, Graduate or under the Doctorate Extension Scheme prevents a new HPI grant. Applying from within the UK also depends on your current category; visitors cannot switch directly to HPI from inside the country.

04

Prepare for an informed route discussion

For an initial enquiry, provide the university name, country, exact award date, qualification level, current location and visa history. Include whether a partner or children would move with you.

Before committing to relocation, compare the time available with your professional plans and likely next route. Qualification recognition, application costs and a future employment search are different issues. Our immigration discussion begins with your eligibility and intended move, rather than an assumption that a particular university or employer guarantees approval.

Common questions