The UK government recently announced that students who graduated from the world's top 50 non-UK universities are eligible to work in Britain via the new (HPI) High Potential Individual visa route. The list this year highlights two universities from Hong Kong and Mainland China. These include the University of Hong Kong (HKU), Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, and Peking University.

Yet, no Indian University has achieved a spot on the list. In the list released for the years 2020, and 2021, when the covid-19 cases first occurred, three Chinese universities somehow managed to enter the list, but no Indian University could make it. The number raised to four in the list, but Indian universities were still missing from the list of 37 universities.

What is an HPI Visa? Are Indians eligible for this visa, and how to apply for it?

The applicants who successfully receive the High Potential Individual visa get approval to stay in the UK for at least two years. If the applicant holds a doctoral qualification or Ph.D., they can remain in the country for three years. Candidates can work and look for jobs, be self-employed, and even participate in voluntary work via HPI visa. They will also be allowed to travel abroad and return to the UK, and they can live with their children and partners if they are eligible. HPI visas will not be obtainable to those who desire to work as professional sportspeople in the country.

Eligibility criteria for the visa

To be eligible for an HPI visa, candidates should hold a degree or qualification from a qualified university. The UK government has issued six lists of eligible universities ranging from 2016 to 2022. To apply for the visa, applicants need to check if their university is on the list specifically for the year they graduated from that varsity. For instance, if applicants are graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2021, they will not be eligible for the visa since the university does not feature on the list for 2021. But if the same applicants graduated from the same university in 2017, they can apply as the university has featured on the 2017 list. The candidates must apply or register for an HPI visa within five years of being awarded a degree or qualification from the list of approved universities. Candidates can check the list of qualified universities on the official website- gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/eligibility.

Yet, no Indian university has achieved a rank in any of the six lists published by the UK government. Therefore, Indian students who graduated from an Indian university will not be qualified or eligible for an HPI visa.

How to apply for an HPI visa?

Candidates can apply for the HPI visa only via the online portal. Anyone who wants to apply can visit the official website- gov.uk/high-potential-individual-visa/apply-from-outside-the-uk

Requirements for the visa

• Valid passport


• Statement from Ecctis after checking the qualification


• Medical report (TB test results)


• Proof of your English proficiency and knowledge

The application fee for an HPI visa is £715, which candidates need to ensure they can show enough money in their account to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £624 for each year in the UK. £210 is required for Ecctis to check if your qualification is valid, and at least £1,270 to support yourself when you reach the country.

English language eligibility

Every candidate applying for an HPI visa has to prove that they can write, read, speak, and understand English to at least level B1 on the (CEFR) Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale. Candidates need to prepare for (SELT) Secure English Language Test, or GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5. Candidates with a degree-level academic qualification taught in English are also eligible.

Can an HPI visa assure permanent residency?

Candidates cannot extend their HPI visa, but if they wish to stay and work further in the UK, they will have to apply for another visa. For example, if someone wants to pursue education in the UK after their HPI visa has ended, they can easily apply for a study or student visa. Thus, candidates cannot extend or use this visa to apply to settle permanently in the UK.