Question 1

What qualifies as a 'top global university' for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

A 'top global university' is defined by the UK government as one that appears in the top 50 of at least two of the following three rankings: Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Quacquarelli Symonds World University Rankings, and The Academic Ranking of World Universities. Your degree must be from one of these institutions.

Question 2

What are the document requirements for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application?

Accepted Answer

Applicants for the HPI visa must submit several documents: a valid passport, proof of degree from a recognized global university, English language proficiency results (if applicable), evidence of sufficient maintenance funds, and a clean criminal record certificate. Degrees must be verified by Ecctis. If applying with dependents, additional documentation for them is required.

Question 3

How do I verify my degree with UK NARIC for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

To verify your degree, you need to obtain a 'Statement of Comparability' from UK NARIC. This involves submitting your degree certificate and transcript along with a completed application form. UK NARIC will assess your qualification against UK standards and issue a statement confirming its equivalency.

Question 4

How do I verify if my university is on the list of eligible institutions for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

The list of eligible universities is updated annually by the UK government. You can check the latest list on the UK government’s official immigration website or contact Ecctis for verification if your degree is from an institution you believe might be included.

Question 5

What documents are required to demonstrate English proficiency for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

You can demonstrate English proficiency by providing an approved English language test result at B1 level or higher. Alternatively, if your degree was taught in English, you can submit proof from your university confirming this, or you can use a NARIC English Language Assessment.

Question 6

What is the cost of applying for the High Potential Individual visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the HPI visa is £715. In addition, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year. If applying with dependents, each family member will incur the same costs.

Question 7

How much are the application fees for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

The application fee for the HPI visa is £715. Additionally, applicants must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge, which is £624 per year. This means a total surcharge of £1,248 for a two-year visa.

Question 8

How long does it typically take to process the HPI visa application?

Accepted Answer

The HPI visa application process usually takes between 3 to 8 weeks. Processing times can vary based on application volumes and individual circumstances. It’s advisable to apply well in advance of any planned travel.

Question 9

What is the processing time for the HPI visa application?

Accepted Answer

The processing time for an HPI visa is typically around three weeks from the date you provide your biometric information. However, this can vary depending on your location and the completeness of your application.

Question 10

Can I work in the UK on the HPI visa without a job offer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the HPI visa allows you to work in the UK without needing a job offer or sponsorship from an employer. You can seek employment in various sectors and industries upon arrival.

Question 11

Can I switch to another visa type from the HPI visa while in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can switch to certain other visa categories, such as the Skilled Worker visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for the new visa. This must be done before your current HPI visa expires.

Question 12

Is there a minimum salary requirement to qualify for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

No, there is no minimum salary requirement to qualify for the HPI visa. However, demonstrating financial capability to support yourself is necessary, typically shown through having £1,270 in savings.

Question 13

What maintenance funds are required for the HPI visa application?

Accepted Answer

You must show that you have at least £1,270 in your bank account for 28 consecutive days before applying. This is to ensure you can support yourself while in the UK. Evidence must be provided in the form of bank statements or a letter from your bank.

Question 14

What happens if my application for the HPI visa is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your HPI visa application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. Depending on the grounds of refusal, you may reapply, request an administrative review, or appeal the decision if applicable.

Question 15

Do I need a tuberculosis test for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you are applying from a country where tuberculosis (TB) testing is mandatory for visa applicants. You must provide a certificate confirming you have undergone a TB test and are free from TB.

Question 16

Can I switch to another visa category after arriving in the UK on an HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to switch to another visa category from within the UK if you meet the eligibility requirements for that category. Common routes include switching to a skilled worker visa or a family visa, among others.

Question 17

What criminal record documentation is required for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

You must provide a criminal record certificate from any country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. This certificate should be issued by an appropriate authority and translated into English if necessary.

Question 18

Do I need to show maintenance funds if I have been in the UK for over 12 months?

Accepted Answer

No, if you have been in the UK for 12 months or more at the time of your HPI visa application, you are exempt from showing maintenance funds. Otherwise, you must demonstrate at least £1,270 in savings held for 28 days.

Question 19

Can I extend my HPI visa beyond the initial two years?

Accepted Answer

No, the HPI visa cannot be extended beyond the initial two-year period. However, you may apply for a different visa type if you wish to stay longer in the UK, such as a Skilled Worker visa, if eligible.

Question 20

Can I bring my family with me on the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the HPI visa allows you to bring your dependents, including your spouse/partner and children. They must apply as your dependents and will need to pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge.

Question 21

Is there a specific time frame within which I must apply for the HPI visa after graduation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you must apply for the HPI visa within five years of graduating from a qualifying university. Your degree completion date must fall within this five-year window for your application to be considered.

Question 22

What are the English language requirements for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency. This can be through an English language test like IELTS (minimum score of 6.5 overall, 6.0 in each component), a degree taught in English, or being a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Question 23

Can I bring family members with me on the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring your partner and children under 18 as dependents. They will need to apply separately and meet certain financial requirements to demonstrate adequate maintenance funds.

Question 24

Can I use my degree taught in English to satisfy the language requirement for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if your degree was taught in English, you can use it to meet the language requirement. You may need to provide a certificate from Ecctis confirming the degree was taught in English if it's not obvious from your documents.

Question 25

What happens if my HPI visa application is refused?

Accepted Answer

If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You may have the option to request an administrative review if you believe an error was made, or you can reapply if you address the issues raised in the refusal.

Question 26

How can I prove my clean criminal record for the HPI visa application?

Accepted Answer

You must provide a police certificate or equivalent document from each country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. This must be dated within six months of your visa application.

Question 27

Can I study full-time while on the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can study full-time or part-time while on the HPI visa. However, enrolling in a course that leads to a degree would require switching to a Student visa, as the HPI visa is primarily for work and short-term study.

Question 28

If I graduated more than five years ago, am I still eligible for the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

No, to be eligible for the HPI visa, you must have graduated from a recognized global university within the last five years. If your graduation date exceeds this limit, you will not qualify based on educational criteria.

Question 29

What types of work can I do on the HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

The HPI visa provides flexibility to work in most sectors, including self-employment and entrepreneurship. There are no restrictions on the type or level of work you can engage in, except for roles such as professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Question 30

What kinds of jobs can I do in the UK on an HPI visa?

Accepted Answer

The HPI visa allows you to work in any sector or industry in the UK. There are no restrictions on the types of jobs you can take, enabling you to explore various career opportunities and even start your own business.

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa FAQ

Featured Questions

What qualifies as a 'top global university' for the HPI visa?General00

What qualifies as a 'top global university' for the HPI visa?

What are the document requirements for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application?Documents0

What are the document requirements for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application?

Eligibility Questions

How do I verify if my university is on the list of eligible institutions for the HPI visa?00

How do I verify if my university is on the list of eligible institutions for the HPI visa?

Is there a minimum salary requirement to qualify for the HPI visa?0

Is there a minimum salary requirement to qualify for the HPI visa?

Application Process Questions

What maintenance funds are required for the HPI visa application?00

What maintenance funds are required for the HPI visa application?

What happens if my application for the HPI visa is refused?0

What happens if my application for the HPI visa is refused?

Documents Questions

What are the document requirements for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application?00

What are the document requirements for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa application?

What documents are required to demonstrate English proficiency for the HPI visa?

What documents are required to demonstrate English proficiency for the HPI visa?

Costs Questions

What is the cost of applying for the High Potential Individual visa?00

What is the cost of applying for the High Potential Individual visa?

How much are the application fees for the HPI visa?0

How much are the application fees for the HPI visa?

Timeline Questions

How long does it typically take to process the HPI visa application?00

How long does it typically take to process the HPI visa application?

What is the processing time for the HPI visa application?0

What is the processing time for the HPI visa application?

After Application Questions

Can I switch to another visa category after arriving in the UK on an HPI visa?00

Can I switch to another visa category after arriving in the UK on an HPI visa?

General Questions

What qualifies as a 'top global university' for the HPI visa?00

What qualifies as a 'top global university' for the HPI visa?

How do I verify my degree with UK NARIC for the HPI visa?0

How do I verify my degree with UK NARIC for the HPI visa?

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How do I verify my degree with UK NARIC for the HPI visa?General00

How do I verify my degree with UK NARIC for the HPI visa?

How do I verify if my university is on the list of eligible institutions for the HPI visa?Eligibility00

How do I verify if my university is on the list of eligible institutions for the HPI visa?

What documents are required to demonstrate English proficiency for the HPI visa?Documents00

What documents are required to demonstrate English proficiency for the HPI visa?

What is the cost of applying for the High Potential Individual visa?Costs & Fees00

What is the cost of applying for the High Potential Individual visa?

How much are the application fees for the HPI visa?Costs & Fees00

How much are the application fees for the HPI visa?

How long does it typically take to process the HPI visa application?Timeline00

How long does it typically take to process the HPI visa application?

What is the processing time for the HPI visa application?Timeline00

What is the processing time for the HPI visa application?

Can I work in the UK on the HPI visa without a job offer?General00

Can I work in the UK on the HPI visa without a job offer?

If I graduated more than five years ago, am I still eligible for the HPI visa?00

If I graduated more than five years ago, am I still eligible for the HPI visa?

What happens if my HPI visa application is refused?00

What happens if my HPI visa application is refused?

How can I prove my clean criminal record for the HPI visa application?00

How can I prove my clean criminal record for the HPI visa application?

What criminal record documentation is required for the HPI visa?00

What criminal record documentation is required for the HPI visa?

Is there a specific time frame within which I must apply for the HPI visa after graduation?00

Is there a specific time frame within which I must apply for the HPI visa after graduation?

Can I study full-time while on the HPI visa?00

Can I study full-time while on the HPI visa?

Can I work in the UK on the HPI visa without a job offer?00

Can I work in the UK on the HPI visa without a job offer?

Can I switch to another visa type from the HPI visa while in the UK?00

Can I switch to another visa type from the HPI visa while in the UK?

Do I need a tuberculosis test for the HPI visa?00

Do I need a tuberculosis test for the HPI visa?

Do I need to show maintenance funds if I have been in the UK for over 12 months?00

Do I need to show maintenance funds if I have been in the UK for over 12 months?