This route is for recent graduates of top global universities, who want to work, or look for work in the UK, following the successful completion of an eligible course of study equivalent to UK bachelor’s degree level or above. You must have been awarded your qualification in the last five years. The study must have been with an institution listed on the Global Universities List. 

The list of eligible universities is based on rankings of universities from around the world. Check the list of eligible universities for the month and year you were awarded your qualification. 

UK universities are not eligible. If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa.

The High Potential Individual route is an unsponsored route.

A dependent partner and dependent children can apply on this route.

The High Potential Individual route is not a route to settlement.

You can apply from inside or outside the UK. If applying from outside the UK, you must check whether you need a TB medical clearance certificate. 

You can only apply for an HPI visa once.

You cannot apply for an HPI visa if:

• you have already been given a Graduate visa
• you have already come to the UK as a Doctorate Extension Scheme student
  

The applicant must be awarded 70 points: 

1. Global Universities List degree acquired within last five years requirement and confirmed by Ecctis as being equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or above — grants 50 points

2. English Language requirement at level B1 in all four components (reading, writing, listening and speaking) grants — 10 points 

3. Financial requirement - unless you have lived in the UK for 12 months, you will need to show you hold funds of £1270 for at least 28 days preceding the date of application. This grants 10 points.

A HPI visa lasts for two years, but if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification it will last three years.