High Potential Individual (HPI)

The HPI visa is an unsponsored 2- or 3-year work visa for graduates of universities on the Home Office Global Universities List, awarded within the last 5 years; UK universities do not qualify. Validity: 2 years (bachelor's/master's) or 3 years (PhD); cannot be extended, does not lead directly to settlement, but holders can switch into Skilled Worker, Global Talent, or Innovator Founder. Degree verification by Ecctis required. From 8 January 2026 English was raised to CEFR B2. £1,270 maintenance (28-day rule) unless 12+ months prior UK visa. Once-only — cannot have previously held HPI, Graduate or Doctorate Extension.