GB Skilled & work Temporary

High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

Unsponsored work route for recent graduates of top-ranked global universities.

Who this route is for

People who graduated within the last 5 years from a non-UK university on the Home Office's annual Global Universities List.

A qualifying degree (bachelor's, master's or PhD) awarded in the last 5 years by a university on the eligible list for the year you graduated.
University must have been in the top 100 of at least two of three major global rankings (THE, QS, ARWU) in your graduation year.
English at CEFR B1.
Maintenance funds of 1,270 pounds held for 28 days.
No job offer or sponsor needed.

Requirements reviewed June 2026. They change frequently — confirm the current rules on the official page before relying on them.

Check your points first

Use the free Skilled Worker Points & Salary Checker to see if you're likely to qualify before you start.

The UK's main sponsored work visa.

IHS-exempt Skilled Worker branch for NHS and eligible health professionals.

Unsponsored visa for leaders in research, arts/culture or digital technology.

Sponsored for 6 months, then work freely with no sponsor for a fast-growing UK firm.