Job Seeker Visa in United Kingdom
One documented route of this kind in United Kingdom, with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
High Potential Individual (HPI) visa
Allows graduates from top global universities to live and work in the UK without a job offer. The route is capped at 8,000 applications per allocation year (1 November–31 October), introduced 4 November 2025; applications exceeding the cap are treated as invalid rather than refused. English language must be demonstrated at CEFR B2 level across all four components for initial applications on or after 8 January 2026.
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK) / 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Validity
- 2 years (3 years for PhD), non-extendable
- Language requirement
- English at CEFR B2 (for initial applications on or after 8 January 2026). Holders already granted leave under the previous B1 requirement continue to be subject to B1 if extending.
- Permanent residence
- No direct settlement route; must switch to a qualifying route
- Citizenship
- Not applicable directly; requires switching to a settlement route first
Requirements
- Qualification from an eligible university on the Global Universities List, awarded in the last 5 years
- Ecctis verification of the qualification
- English language proficiency
- Funds of £1,270 held 28 consecutive days
Required Documents
- Eligible-university qualification with Ecctis verification required
- Valid passport or travel ID required
- Proof of English language ability required
- Financial evidence required
Official fees
- Application fee 880 GBP
- Immigration Health Surcharge (per year) 1,035 GBP
Process Steps
-
1
Confirm eligibility
Confirm your university and award date appear on the eligible list and obtain Ecctis verification.
-
2
Apply online
Apply online up to 3 months before travel.
-
3
Pay fees
Pay the fee and the IHS.
-
4
Biometrics and documents
Provide biometrics and documents.
-
5
Decision
Await the decision.