UK visas
UK High Potential Individual visa for recent graduates of top universities
For people who recently graduated from a university on the Home Office's eligible list. No job offer is needed.
- Needs
- Eligible degree, last 5 years
- Length
- 2 years, 3 for a PhD
- Settlement
- No direct route
Who it suits
Is this visa for you?
- You graduated recently from a university on the eligible list
- You want to work in the UK without a sponsor
- You can switch to another route later
The basics
What the authorities look for
- A degree-level qualification from an eligible university, gained in the last five years
- English language at the required level
- Enough money to support yourself
- Partner and children can apply as dependants
A summary of the published rules. The full rules have more conditions, and they change. Last reviewed October 2026. GOV.UK: High Potential Individual visa
Take care
Where cases go wrong
- **The university list.** Your institution must be on the list for the year you graduated.
- **No settlement route.** It does not count towards settlement by itself. Plan a switch.
- **Time limit.** The visa cannot be extended.
Your case has details a web page cannot cover.
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Book a free 15-minute callFAQs
High Potential Individual visa questions
Can I apply if my university is outside the UK?
Yes, if it is on the eligible list. The list covers universities in several countries.
Does this lead to settlement?
Not directly. You would need to switch into a route that does.
Keep reading
Other UK visa pages
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A first consultation covers eligibility, realistic timelines, total cost and the tax consequences of the move. You leave with a written plan, not a brochure.