High Potential Individual Visa Package
Our HPI Visa package helps graduates from top global universities move to the UK with confidence. We handle eligibility checks, Ecctis verification and the application work listed in this package, step by step. Fixed fee per person, fast appointments, and plain-English guidance so you can focus on your career.
- Full eligibility review
- Your application documents prepared and checked by your lawyer
- Application drafted and submitted to the Home Office
- Routine Home Office correspondence about your application
- Direct lawyer contact at every stage of the package, no paralegals
"I'm glad I contacted Alexander; he did everything quickly and professionally. I even got my visa on short notice. I'd highly recommend him!"
What your fixed fee does and doesn't cover
The advertised fixed fee is per person and covers the standard legal work specifically described in this package. It does not include third-party costs, translations, interpreters, expert reports, counsel/advocate/barrister fees or substantial additional work outside the agreed scope unless expressly stated.
Additional work arising after submission, including correspondence or complaints concerning Home Office delays, is not automatically included in the fixed fee. We may undertake such work without additional charge at our discretion, but where substantial additional work is required a separate fee may apply.
This fixed fee is for standard applications. If you've had a previous refusal, entered the UK illegally, claimed asylum, had any immigration law breaches, prior convictions or any other adverse immigration history, please book a consultation first. These cases may need additional work and a separate quotation, and we'll recommend the right route.
Book a consultation →A qualified lawyer handles your application from eligibility check to submission
Fixed pricing, fast appointments, and Home Office representation covering everything listed in your package. No paralegals.
Pay online
Fixed prices.
Book in
Meet your lawyer, often within 48 hours.
We prepare
Documents reviewed, application drafted.
We submit
Filed with the Home Office. You stay informed.
Prefer to start with a consultation?
Talk through your case with a qualified lawyer. Clear route, expected timeline, fixed quote.
"Spouse visa done in 25 days, after 5 prior rejections. My family is now together."
High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa: UK Guide 2026
Quick Summary: Who This Visa Is For
Recent graduates from eligible global universities (within the last 5 years).
Length: 2 years, or 3 years if you have a PhD/doctorate.
Sponsorship/job offer: Not needed.
Is This the Right Visa for You?
Choose HPI if you’ve recently graduated from a listed overseas university and want freedom to work, look for work, or be self-employed in the UK.
Consider Graduate (if you studied in the UK), Skilled Worker (if you have a sponsored job), or Global Talent (if you’re a recognised leader or emerging leader).
Eligibility Checklist
University & Qualification Rules
Degree from an eligible global university for the year you graduated.
Levels accepted: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD/doctorate.
Awarded within the last 5 years.
Timing & Age
You must be 18 or over on the date you apply.
English Language Requirement
English at CEFR B1 (speaking, listening, reading, writing).
Met via an approved test, a qualifying UK school qualification, a degree taught in English, or nationality from a majority English-speaking country.
Financial Requirement
£1,270 in personal savings held for 28 days (unless you’ve had UK permission for 12+ months).
Who Cannot Apply
Those who already held a Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme permission.
Some UK visa categories can’t switch in (e.g., Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker, immigration bail, or leave outside the Rules).
What the HPI Visa Allows You to Do
Work in most jobs, look for work, be self-employed, and volunteer.
Bring your partner and children if they qualify.
Study if your course isn’t eligible for a Student visa (ATAS may be needed for sensitive subjects).
Travel in and out of the UK.
What You Cannot Do on an HPI Visa
Extend the visa or apply for settlement on this route.
Claim public funds/State Pension.
Work as a professional sportsperson/coach.
Costs & Processing Times
Application fee: £880.
Ecctis verification: usually £252 (if applying in the UK).
Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year of leave (2-year visa: £2,070; 3-year visa: £3,105).
Decision times: typically 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Confirm eligibility: university appears on the list for your graduation year; degree level meets the rules.
Ecctis: obtain confirmation your qualification is valid and at the right level (unless you already have it).
Apply online: from outside the UK or switch from inside (if eligible).
Prove identity: via the UKVI app or a visa application centre appointment.
Upload documents & pay fees: application fee and healthcare surcharge.
Decision issued: you’ll receive instructions on next steps.
Supporting Documents (Typical)
Passport or travel document.
Ecctis confirmation (or previous Ecctis certificate).
Proof of English (if required).
Bank statements for funds (unless exempt).
TB test results if relevant.
Relationship evidence for dependants (marriage/birth certificates).
Dependants: Partner & Children
Who qualifies: spouse/civil partner/unmarried partner; children under 18 (or over 18 if already your dependant).
Funds for family: typically £285 (partner), £315 (first child), £200 (each additional child), unless exempt.
What they can do: work (except as a professional sportsperson), study, and travel while your visa is valid.
After the HPI Visa: Next Steps
Plan early if you want to stay longer. Common options to switch into from HPI include:
Skilled Worker (sponsored job; leads to settlement after 5 years).
Scale-up, Global Talent, or Innovator Founder (if you meet those routes’ rules).
Time spent on HPI does not count toward settlement.
Common Application Pitfalls
University not on the eligible list for the year of award.
Degree awarded more than 5 years ago.
Missing English or financial evidence.
Trying to switch from an ineligible visa category.
Forgetting ATAS for sensitive postgraduate study.
FAQs
Can I extend my HPI visa? No. You must switch to another route before it expires.
Do I need a job offer? No job offer or sponsorship is required.
Can my family join me? Yes, if they meet the dependant rules and funding levels.
Does HPI lead to settlement? No. You’ll need to switch to a route that does.
How long will a decision take? Usually 3 weeks (outside the UK) or 8 weeks (inside the UK).
Need Help Today?
If you’re unsure about your university’s eligibility, Ecctis, or what to do after HPI, we can help.
At Alexander Boyd Solicitors, Glasgow, we offer same-day or next-day appointments, clear fixed fees, and calm, practical guidance throughout the work in your package. If your timeline is tight, tell us—we’ll prioritise your booking.