High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa — Document Checklist & Complete Guide
The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa lets graduates from the world's top-ranked universities live and work in the UK for up to two or three years — with no job offer, no sponsor, and no salary threshold required. This guide explains exactly who qualifies, which documents UKVI requires, and what it costs to apply.
Studied at a UK university on a Student visa?
See the Graduate visa (PSW) instead →Do I qualify for the HPI visa?
Degree from a top-ranked global university
Your university must appear on the UKVI approved HPI list — institutions ranked in the top 50 by QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, or the ARWU (Shanghai Ranking). The degree must have been awarded within the last 5 years.
Bachelor's degree or higher
You must have been awarded (or be awaiting the award of) a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an approved institution.
Not previously held an HPI visa
You can only be granted the HPI visa once. If you have previously held one, you are not eligible to apply again.
Maintenance funds
You must hold £1,270 in your bank account for at least 28 consecutive days before applying, unless you have been in the UK continuously for 12 months or more.
English language requirement
You must demonstrate English at B1 CEFR level via an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.
Document checklist
VisaVault generates a personalised version of this list for your exact circumstances.
Valid passport or travel document
Must be valid for your intended period of stay.
Degree certificate or letter of award
Official certificate or a letter from the university confirming your degree has been awarded or is pending award. Must be from an institution on the UKVI approved HPI list.
Official academic transcript
Showing the modules studied and grades achieved for your qualifying degree.
Bank statements (28-day maintenance)
Showing £1,270 held continuously for 28 days, ending no more than 31 days before you apply. Not required if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more.
Proof of English language ability
Approved SELT certificate at B1 or above, or evidence your degree was taught in English, or proof of nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
TB test certificate (if required)
Required if you are from a listed country and have spent more than 6 months outside the UK.
Current BRP or vignette (if switching inside UK)
If you are already in the UK and switching from another visa, include your current Biometric Residence Permit.
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Costs and processing times
Visa application fee (outside UK — 2 years)
£822
Visa application fee (outside UK — 3 years, PhD)
£822
Visa application fee (switching inside UK)
£1,235
Immigration Health Surcharge (2 years)
£2,070
Immigration Health Surcharge (3 years — PhD)
£3,105
VisaVault document pack
£299 one-off
Typical processing time
3 weeks standard; 5 working days with priority service
Frequently asked questions
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