About the High Potential Individual visa
The High Potential Individual visa is a route for graduates from the top 50 universities worldwide. The benefit of this visa is that you do not need a job offer or sponsor. This means you can explore investment opportunities in Scotland. Find out more about the High Potential Individual visa (gov.uk)
A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows work in the UK for up to two years. If you have a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or other doctoral qualification, you can work in the UK for up to three years. You cannot extend this visa, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa (gov.uk)
How to apply
You need to contact Ecctis (ecctis.com) before you apply. Ecctis is a company that compares international qualifications to UK standards.
Equivalent Degree
To verify that a degree is valid and at the correct level, an application must be made online via Ecctis (ecctis.com). Each visa route has its ownverification process and various documents must be enclosed. This includes the completion certificate and Transcript (with certified English translations from the institution, if relevant). Read about contacting Ecctis (ecctis.com)
Who can apply for a HPI visa
To apply for this visa, you need to:
- Have an overseas bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree
- Have obtained the degree in the last five years
- Check your university was on the Global University List on the year the qualification was awarded (gov.uk)
- Hold savings of £1,270 for at least 28 days before your application if you have been in the UK for less than 12 months. There is no need to hold these savings if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more prior to the application.
- Meet the English language requirement, for example by having a qualification, equivalent to degree, taught in English (as confirmed by ecctis.com) or as a national of certain countries.
You cannot apply for a High Potential Individual visa, if you have previously:
- Had a Graduate visa
- Entered or remained in the UK as a Doctorate Extension Scheme student
Who is suitable for a visa
You need to be 'suitable' for a High Potential Individual visa.
The Home Office will look at:
- Your character
- If you have followed UK immigration rules in the past
- Whether you have a criminal record in any country
Dependants
Partners and children can apply to join you in the UK if they meet the requirements.
They can apply online (gov.uk)
A partner includes:
- A spouse
- A civil partner
- An unmarried partner, if you’ve been in a relationship for at least two years
A child can be:
- Under 18, or
- Over 18 if they’re already in the UK as your dependant
You’ll need to pay extra fees for a partner or children, and evidence your family relationship. Read the requirements to bring your partner or children (gov.uk)
How much it costs to apply
There’s a fee of £822 for a High Potential Individual visa.
The Ecctis application costs £210 (plus £7.50 for e-confirmations) if you are applying from outside the UK.
There’s an Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 per year of the visa.
How long it takes to apply
Processing times are published online (gov.uk)
At the moment applications from outside the UK are taking three weeks.
Outcomes
Visas are usually granted for up to two years if you have an overseas bachelor’s degree or postgraduate degree. A High Potential Individual visa is granted for three years if you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification.
You cannot apply to extend a High Potential Individual visa. However, you might be able to switch to another visa such as a Skilled Worker visa if you meet the requirements.
If granted this visa, you cannot study any courses which are eligible for a Student visa.