The High Potential Individual (HPI) visa gives permission to stay in the UK for 2 years, or 3 years for a PhD or other doctoral qualification. Applicants need a qualification awarded by an eligible university in the last 5 years. The list of eligible universities depends on when the qualification was awarded, and the gov.uk page lists six periods, the latest running from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027.
Who the visa applies to
The rules require a qualification awarded by an eligible university in the last 5 years. The qualification must be at the same level as a UK bachelor's degree, a UK postgraduate degree, or a UK PhD or doctorate. UK universities are not eligible.
Ecctis checks that a qualification is valid and at the right level. It does not check whether a university is eligible. A previous Ecctis assessment can be used instead of a new one. The gov.uk page says a job offer is not needed to apply.
Applicants must also prove their knowledge of English, usually through a UK school qualification, a UK degree, a degree taught in English outside the UK that Ecctis has assessed, or a Secure English Language Test (SELT) at level B2. Some nationalities do not need to prove English, including nationals of Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the USA.
How long the visa lasts
An HPI visa lasts 2 years. A PhD or other doctoral qualification gives a visa lasting 3 years. The visa cannot be extended. The gov.uk page says it may be possible to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa, including before the HPI visa expires.
HPI visas cannot be extended
The gov.uk page says you cannot extend an HPI visa. Time spent on it does not count as time in the UK if you apply to settle.
Costs
The costs apply to each person applying, including a partner or children who are eligible as dependants. Each person must pay the application fee, the healthcare surcharge for each year of stay, and show enough personal savings.
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ecctis qualification check (includes VAT) | £252 |
| Application fee | £880 |
| Healthcare surcharge, per year | £1,035 usually |
| Healthcare surcharge, 2 year visa | £2,070 |
| Healthcare surcharge, 3 year visa | £3,105 |
| Savings to support yourself in the UK | £1,270 usually |
The savings must have been available for at least 28 days in a row, and day 28 must fall within 31 days of applying. Proof is usually needed unless the applicant has been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.
If a person paid the healthcare surcharge and then gets a job in public sector healthcare, the gov.uk page says they may be able to get a refund.
How to apply and how long it takes
Apply online
Applications must be made online. The route differs for people outside the UK and people switching from a different visa inside the UK.
Prove your identity and documents
You may need an appointment for this. You will find out if one is needed when you start the application.
Wait for a decision
Decisions usually come within 3 weeks for applicants outside the UK, or 8 weeks for applicants inside the UK.
The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel. Each year runs from 1 November to 31 October, and if the yearly limit on applications has been reached, the online application tells you.
Working, studying and what is not allowed
- Work in most jobs
- Look for work
- Be self-employed
- Do voluntary work
- Travel abroad and return to the UK
The gov.uk page says the visa does not allow most benefits (public funds), working as a professional sportsperson, extending the visa, or applying to settle permanently.
You can only study on an HPI visa if your course is not eligible for a Student visa. If it is, you can apply for a Student visa instead, or extend a Student visa you already have. An Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate may be needed for sensitive topics.
Questions people ask
Can an HPI visa be extended?
No. The gov.uk page says it cannot be extended, but it may be possible to switch to another visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
Is a job offer needed to apply?
No. The gov.uk page says you do not need a job offer to apply.
Can you apply for an HPI visa more than once?
The gov.uk page says you can only apply for an HPI visa once.
The full rules are on the gov.uk HPI page (opens in a new tab). For English requirements, see English requirements for 2026. For a cost breakdown, see costs. Current decision times are on visa processing times.
Questions about these rules?
Ask the AI assistant what the gov.uk guidance says. It explains the rules; it does not advise on your case.
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