UK’s HPI Visa Route Launched; Top Grads Can Stay for At Least 2 Years

On Monday, May 30, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa route was launched in London for graduates from the top 50 non-UK universities. 

UK Cabinet ministers of Indian origin, Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak, said in a statement given jointly that the new “exciting” category will attract the most skilled graduates across the globe. 

Sunak said, “The UK is already home to some of the most ground-breaking start-ups, on the forefront of R&D and an incredibly diverse and exciting place to live – come and join in.”

The HPI visa will cost GBP 715, and permit holders can bring close family members along. Applicants must have at least GBP 1,270 and must have graduated from one of the top 50 institutions (as recognized by QS, THE, ARWU, etc.) outside the UK within the last five years.

The visa allows graduates to work and live in the UK; granting a minimum two-year stay for bachelor’s or master’s graduates and three years for PhD holders without needing a job offer.

On a related note, international students graduating from top UK universities already qualify for up to a three-year stay through the post-study work visa route. As you plan your future in the UK, consider also reviewing the cost of living in the UK to ensure you have a complete financial overview.