Uk Visas Immigration
A High Potential Individual (HPI) visa gives you permission to stay in the UK for at least 2 years. To apply, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years.
How long you can stay
An HPI visa usually lasts for 2 years. If you have a PhD or other doctoral qualification, it will last for 3 years.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
You cannot extend your HPI visa. However, you may be able to switch to a different visa, for example a Skilled Worker visa.
Check you can apply for another type of visa to stay in the UK.
How to apply
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether youre:
- outside the UK and are coming to the UK
- inside the UK and switching from a different visa
Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your dependants if theyre eligible.
How long it takes
As part of your application, youll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. Youll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once youve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, youll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if youre outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if youre inside the UK
How much it costs
You, your partner or children will each need to:
- pay the application fee
- pay the healthcare surcharge for each year of your stay
- prove you have enough personal savings
Check how much money youll need.
What you can and cannot do
With an HPI visa you can:
- work in most jobs
- look for work
- be self-employed
- live in the UK with your partner and children, if theyre eligible
- do voluntary work
- travel abroad and return to the UK
You cannot:
- apply for most benefits (public funds)
- work as a professional sportsperson
- extend this visa
- apply to settle permanently in the UK
If your application is successful, youll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an HPI visa.
Studying with an HPI visa
You can only study with 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 youre studying or researching sensitive topics.