High Potential Individuals

The UK government is committed to bringing the best and brightest to the UK. The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa attracts graduates of top global universities to the UK for a period of 2-3 years to work, seek employment, set up a business or do voluntary work.

Key requirements

Applicants for HPI visas must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be aged 18 or over;
• Have graduated from a top global university in the past 5 years;
• Demonstrate English language competence at a minimum B1 CEFR;
• Have sufficient financial maintenance; and
• Evidence absence of TB (if required).

There is no requirement to have a UK job offer prior to submitting an application. Businesses are also not required to offer sponsorship under the points-based immigration system to employ HPIs once they are in the UK. The need for sponsorship may arise at the expiry of the HPI’s visa, however.

Freeths’ immigration team can help guide you through the process of obtaining a HPI visa and ensure you satisfy the requirements in full. We can explore your long-term plans and discuss alternative visa options which may be better suited to your needs. With over 30 years’ experience in UK immigration law, we are trusted to offer a bespoke service which is tailored to your precise needs.

If you require support with you application or would like to discuss your visa options in more detail, please contact our immigration team.