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High Potential Individual

United KingdomTalent and merit

Explore the five recorded questions, answers and sources for this pathway.

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Get your free results Read the five questions ↓

Which exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles does the pathway target?

The pathway targets individuals who have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • The document does not specify which universities are eligible or what types of qualifications are covered beyond the general statement.
  • The document does not describe exceptional-talent, academic, scientific, artistic, technological, cultural or other profiles beyond the qualification requirement.
  • Overview
    To apply, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university in the last 5 years.

What achievements, recognition, awards, publications, reputation or other evidence establishes the required level?

The required level is established by a qualification (at the level of a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or PhD/doctorate) awarded in the last 5 years by an eligible university; the list of eligible universities is based on rankings of universities from around the world, UK universities are not eligible, and Ecctis must check the qualification is valid and at the right level.

See recorded sources
  • https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/print
    To be eligible for a High Potential Individual ( HPI ) visa, you must have been awarded a qualification by an eligible university. Where you studied The list of eligible universities is based on rankings of universities from around the world. Check the list of eligible universities for the month and year you were awarded your qualification: 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 1 November 2023 to 31 October 2024 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2023 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021 UK universities are not eligible. If you’re already in the UK on a student visa you may be able to apply for a Graduate visa . Your qualification Your qualification must be at the same level as: a UK bachelor’s degree a UK postgraduate degree a UK PhD or doctorate You must have been awarded your qualification in the last 5 years. You’ll need to apply to Ecctis to check your qualification is valid and at the right level. Ecctis will not check if your university is eligible.

Is an employer, nominator, recognised body, peer group or government endorsement required?

No job offer is needed to apply; the source does not describe any endorsement by a nominator, recognised body or government. The qualification must be checked by Ecctis for validity and level.

See recorded sources
Limits of the record
  • Source states only that no job offer is needed; it is silent on other forms of endorsement.

Can the holder change employer, work independently, establish a business or conduct other professional activity? What is the family position?

Holders can work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed and do voluntary work, but cannot work as a professional sportsperson or apply for most benefits; study is only allowed if the course is not eligible for a Student visa. Partner and children can live in the UK with the holder as dependants if eligible.

See recorded sources
  • https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/print
    With an HPI visa you can: work in most jobs look for work be self-employed live in the UK with your partner and children , if they’re eligible do voluntary work travel abroad and return to the UK You cannot: apply for most benefits (‘ public funds ’) work as a professional sportsperson extend this visa apply to settle permanently in the UK If your application is successful, you’ll get a full list of what you can and cannot do with an HPI visa. Studying with an HPI visa You can only study with an HPI visa if your chosen course is not eligible for a Student visa
  • https://www.gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/print
    Your partner and children can apply to join you or stay in the UK as your ‘dependants’ if they’re eligible.

What duration, renewal and accelerated or normal longer-term residence pathway is officially stated?

An HPI visa lasts for 2 years, or 3 years if the holder has a PhD or other doctoral qualification. The HPI visa cannot be extended. Time on an HPI visa will not count as time spent in the UK if the holder applies to settle in the UK.

See recorded sources

These are the answers currently recorded in the catalogue. A missing or partial answer is not an eligibility decision.

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