High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
Apply from outside the UK
You must apply online for a High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.
Check which documents you’ll need to apply.
There’s a different process if you are already in the UK and are switching to the HPI visa from another visa.
When to apply
You must apply within 5 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 where you’re from and what type of passport you have.
You’ll either:
- 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
- have your fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a visa application centre
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 your form and complete it later.
Continue your application
You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it.
Find out how to sign in to your account.
How long it takes to get a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision within 3 weeks.
You’ll be contacted if your application will take longer, for example because:
- your supporting documents need to be verified
- of your personal 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. This will explain what you need to do next.