An HPI (High Potential Individual) visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. To apply, you must have graduated from an eligible university within the last 5 years.

How long can you stay

An HPI visa generally lasts 2 years. If you hold a doctorate or another doctoral title, this will last 3 years.If you want to stay longer in the UK
You cannot extend your HPI visa. However, you may be able to transfer to another visa, for example a skilled worker visa.

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How to apply

You must apply online.

How to apply depends on whether you are:

1. outside the UK and come to the UK
2. inside the UK and changing from another visa

Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependents’ if they are eligible.

How long does it take
As part of your application, you will need to prove your identity and provide your documents. You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You will know if you need it when you start your application.

Get a decision
Once you have applied online, proven your identity and provided your documents, you will usually get a visa decision within the following timeframes:

1. 3 weeks, if you are outside the UK
2. 8 weeks, if you are in the UK

How much does it cost
You, your partner or your children will each:

1. pay the application fees
2. pay the health care supplement for each year of your stay
3. prove that you have sufficient personal savings

What you can and cannot do
With an HPI visa, you can:

• work in most jobs
• look for a job
• be self-employed
• live in the UK with your partner and children, if they are eligible
• volunteer
• traveling abroad and returning to the UK

You cannot:

• apply for most benefits (“public funds”)
• work as a professional athlete
• extend this visa
• apply to settle permanently in the United Kingdom

If your application is successful, you will get a complete list of what you can and cannot do on an HPI visa.

Study with an HPI visa
You can only study on an HPI visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a student visa. If your course is eligible for a student visa, you can apply for a student visa instead or extend your student visa if you already have one.

You may need an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you study or research sensitive subjects.