High Potential Individual Visa

Recognised Global Universities for High Potential Individual Visa Eligibility

To be eligible for the High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa, applicants must hold an overseas academic qualification at degree level, conferred within the last five years from the date of visa application submission.

Crucially, the awarding institution must be listed on the Global Universities List corresponding to the year in which the qualification was granted. This list is curated annually by the UK Home Office and includes higher education institutions ranked in the top 50 globally by at least two of the following international ranking authorities:

• Times Higher Education World University Rankings

• QS World University Rankings (Quacquarelli Symonds)

• Academic Ranking of World Universities (Shanghai Rankings)

Refer to the appropriate Global Universities List for your graduation year:

• 1 Nov 2024 – 31 Oct 2025

• 1 Nov 2023 – 31 Oct 2024

• 1 Nov 2022 – 31 Oct 2023

• 1 Nov 2021 – 31 Oct 2022

• 1 Nov 2020 – 31 Oct 2021

• 1 Nov 2019 – 31 Oct 2020

In addition, applicants must obtain a qualification comparability statement from Ecctis, verifying that the overseas degree meets or surpasses the academic standard of a UK bachelor’s or postgraduate qualification. This statement must also confirm the official award date of the degree.

If you have earned a UK degree as an international student, you may alternatively be eligible to apply through the Graduate Immigration Route.

English Language Proficiency Requirement for HPI Visa

Applicants for the High Potential Individual Visa must demonstrate English language competence at Level B1 or higher on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) across all four components: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.

You will satisfy this requirement if you meet any of the following:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country

• You have successfully passed a Secure English Language Test (SELT)

• You hold a degree taught in English

• You have completed GCSEs, A Levels, or Scottish Highers in English while attending school in the UK

• You have previously met the B1 English requirement in a prior successful UK visa application

Financial Maintenance Requirement for HPI Visa

Unless exempt, applicants must demonstrate access to at least £1,270 in personal savings. These funds must have been continuously available for a minimum of 28 consecutive days, with the final day of this period falling within 31 days of your visa application date.

If you are applying from within the UK and have held valid immigration permission for 12 months or more, the financial requirement is automatically considered met.

Switching into the HPI Visa Route from Another UK Immigration Category

Individuals currently residing in the UK under a different visa type may be eligible to switch into the HPI Visa route. However, you cannot switch if your current or most recent leave was granted under any of the following categories:

• Visitor

• Short-Term Student

• Parent of a Child Student

• Seasonal Worker

• Domestic Worker in a Private Household

• Any permission granted outside the UK Immigration Rules

Validity Period of the High Potential Individual Visa

The duration of your stay under the HPI Visa depends on your qualifying degree:

• PhD or equivalent doctoral degree – valid for 3 years

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree – valid for 2 years

Rights and Restrictions While on a High Potential Individual Visa

If your visa is granted, you will have the right to:

• Work in most roles, including self-employment and voluntary work (excluding as a professional sportsperson or sports coach)

• Undertake studies, except for courses qualifying under the Student visa route

• Bring eligible dependants (see below)

However, you cannot access public funds, such as UK welfare benefits or public housing support.

Extensions and Future Immigration Options

The High Potential Individual Visa is not extendable. Once your visa expires, you must either:

• Leave the UK, or

• Apply to switch into another immigration route from within the UK, such as the Skilled Worker Visa or Innovator Founder Visa, both of which offer pathways to permanent residency (settlement)

Pathway to Settlement

Although the HPI Visa itself does not lead directly to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), transitioning into an immigration route that does lead to settlement is possible before your HPI leave expires.

Additionally, those who have lawfully resided in the UK for 10 continuous years may apply for settlement under the Long Residence rule.

Bringing Dependants on a High Potential Individual Visa

HPI Visa holders may be accompanied or joined in the UK by:

• A dependent partner aged 18 or older

• Dependent children under the age of 18

All dependants must meet the relevant eligibility and financial requirements.

How Link And Day Lawyers Can Support You

At Link And Day Lawyers, we go beyond standard immigration services we are your trusted legal partners in navigating the UK’s complex immigration system. Our experienced immigration barristers specialize in supporting graduates from prestigious international universities in securing the right to live and work in the United Kingdom.

We take a client-focused approach, offering strategic legal advice tailored to your individual aspirations whether professional, academic, or personal. Our team is not only highly knowledgeable but also approachable and committed to delivering timely, transparent, and dependable support throughout your immigration journey.

Driven by results and rooted in integrity, Link And Day Lawyers ensures that every client receives a premium standard of service, marked by professionalism, clarity, and a deep understanding of UK immigration law.