Immigration
THE 2 WAYS TO APPLY FOR THE HPI UK VISA (Step by Step)
A new immigration route named the High Potential Individual HPI Uk Visa was launched by the UK government on May 30, 2022, to attract the most skilled and talented international individuals to the country. The High Potential Individual (HPI) UK visa enables the visa holder to live and work in the UK without sponsorship from a UK employer.
This immigration route is available to recent graduates of prestigious global universities. Applicants must have received a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree qualification within the last five years from a qualifying university outside of the UK. Eligible institutions are identified by the Home Office and are listed on the ‘Global Universities List.’
Applying for the (HPI Visa) must be done online. How you apply depends on whether you’re.
- Outside The UK
- Inside The UK And Switching From A Different Visa.
You must apply online for the High Potential Individual Visa outside the UK.
Documents Needed To Apply
Before applying, you must first pay for Ecctis to check your valid qualification.
When you apply, you’ll need to provide the following:
- A valid passport, not less than six months from expiring
- Proof of your knowledge of English. E.g., IELTS
- You’ll also need to provide the statement Ecctis sends to you when they’ve checked your qualification.
If you had to apply to Ecctis to confirm that your qualification was taught in English, the statement is called an ‘Academic Qualification Level Statement and English Language Proficiency Statement.’ Otherwise, it’s called an ‘Academic Qualification Level Statement.’
Other Documents You Might Need
Depending on your circumstances, you might be asked to provide the following:
- Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or online proof of your immigration status if you’re switching to this visa from another visa.
- Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
- Your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country.
You must also provide a certified translation if your documents are not in English or Welsh.
When To Apply
You must apply within five years of being awarded a qualification from an eligible university.
Proving Your Identity And Providing Supporting Documents
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. How you do this depends on your country and passport type.
You’ll either:
- Have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre to get a biometric residence permit.
- Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document – you’ll also create or sign into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
If you do need an appointment:
- The centre may need to keep your passport and documents while they process your application
- You may have to travel to get to your nearest visa application centre (this could be in another country).
Apply For An HPI Visa
Once you’ve started your application, you can save and complete your form later.
To start your application, CLICK HERE.
Continue Your Application
Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.
How Long It Takes To Get A Decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity, and provided your documents, you’ll get a decision within three weeks.
You’ll be contacted if your application takes longer, for example, because:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- of your circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal conviction
After You Apply
You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
You’ll get an email containing the decision on your application. The email will explain what you need to do next.
2. SWITCHING TO THE HPI VISA FROM ANOTHER VISA
You can apply to change (‘switch’) to a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.
You will not automatically switch to this visa if you switch your partner’s or your child’s visa. They can either apply at the same time as you or before their visa expires.
You must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man until you decide. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
When To Apply
You must apply within five years of being awarded a qualification from an eligible university.
Who Cannot Apply To Switch To This Visa?
You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK:
- on a visit visa
- on a short-term student visa
- on a Graduate visa
- on a Parent of a Child Student visa
- on a seasonal worker visa
- on a domestic worker on a private household visa
- on immigration bail
- Because you were permitted to stay outside the immigration rules; for example, on compassionate grounds, you must leave the UK and apply for an HPI visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.
Fees
Each person applying will need to pay the following:
- The visa application fee
- The healthcare surcharge for each year of their stay – check how much you’ll have to pay
- You’ll also need your biometric information (fingerprints and a photo) taken. There’s no fee for this.
- If you’ve been in the UK for less than one year, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself.
- Proving your identity and providing supporting documents
- As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity.
How you do this depends on your country and passport type.
You’ll either:
- Give your fingerprints and a photograph (biometric information) at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point to get a biometric residence permit.
- Use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document – you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.
You’ll be told what you need to do when you apply.
Apply to switch to an HPI visa.
You must apply online before your current visa expires.
Once you’ve started your application, you can save and complete your form later.
Continue your application
Sign in to your account using the link from your sign-up email.
How long it takes to get a decision
Unlike when applying from outside the UK, which is just within three weeks, You’ll usually get a decision within eight weeks of your application date.
You’ll be contacted if your application takes longer, for example, because:
Your supporting documents need to be verified
You need to attend an interview
Of your circumstances, for example, if you have a criminal conviction
After you apply
If you need to change something in your application after sending it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
You can ask to cancel your application. You’ll only get your fee refunded if UKVI has not started processing your application.
You’ll get an email or a letter containing the decision on your application. The email will explain what you need to do next.
FAQs
What happens after your High Potential Individual visa has expired?
It is not possible to exceed the time limit of your HPI visa. However, once your HPI visa has expired, you can switch to a different visa category, such as the Skilled Worker visa.
