Get a work permit for the UK without a job offer

Dreaming of launching your career in the UK but don’t have a job offer yet? Don’t worry—you’re not out of options. If you’ve recently graduated from a top university, the UK’s High Potential Individual (HPI) visa could be your ticket to starting life in the UK. The best part? You don’t need a job offer to apply.

Here’s everything you need to know to make your dream a reality, from eligibility to the step-by-step application process. Let’s get started!

What is the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa?

Think of the HPI visa as your golden ticket to the UK. Launched in May 2022, it’s designed to attract top talent from recent graduates of leading universities worldwide. With the HPI visa, you can live and work in the UK for two years—or three years if you have a PhD—without the hassle of needing employer sponsorship or a job offer. This means you can land in the UK first and job hunt on your terms—no need to secure a position before you arrive.

The HPI visa could be a great fit if:

• You want to live in the UK but don’t have an employer lined up yet
• You’re looking to intern or volunteer in the UK
• You’re working remotely and want to make the UK your base
• You’re a freelancer ready to explore life in the UK
• You are seeking a potential pathway to long-term immigration to the UK

Sound like your next big move? Let’s dive into how it works.

Eligibility requirements for the UK High Potential Individual visa

Qualifying candidates can apply for the HPI visa from anywhere in the world, including within the UK. However, since you can only apply for this visa once, it’s essential to carefully review the requirements before starting your application.

Education requirements

Graduates with a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD from eligible universities can apply for the HPI visa, provided their degree is comparable to a UK degree of the same level. To qualify, your degree must meet the following criteria:

• You must have graduated from one of the top 50 universities in the world, as listed by the UK government based on global rankings.
• Your graduation must have occurred within the past five years.
• The university must be on the list for the year you graduated, not the year you apply for the visa.

For instance, if you graduated from Cornell in 2022 and plan to apply in 2025, you’ll need to confirm that Cornell was on the 2022 list of qualifying universities. Since the list is updated annually, double-check your school’s eligibility to ensure you qualify.

The majority of eligible universities for the UK High Potential Individual visas are in the United States, but many other countries are represented as well. Over the past five years, universities from the following countries have consistently made the list:

• USA
• Germany
• Australia
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• Singapore
• China
• Canada
• France
• Switzerland
• Sweden

Proof of English proficiency

Since the UK is an English-speaking country, applicants for the HPI visa must demonstrate English proficiency. Here’s how you can meet this requirement:

• Nationals of English-speaking countries or degrees taught in English: If you’re a national of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia, Jamaica) or your qualifying degree was taught in English, you won’t need to provide additional proof. For example, anyone with a degree from a US university will likely meet this requirement automatically, regardless of nationality.

• Degrees not taught in English: If your degree was not taught in English, you’ll need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to prove your proficiency.  The process for taking the SELT depends on whether you are in or outside of the UK. If you’re taking a SELT in the UK, ensure you choose one of these approved providers.

Financial requirements

The UK government requires proof that new international arrivals can support themselves while job hunting and before receiving their first paycheck. Here’s what you need to know about meeting the financial requirements:

• Minimum funds required: You must have at least £1,270 (USD 1,630) in your bank account when you apply. This amount is based on the UK’s estimated cost of living in the UK for one month.

• Additional funds are required if family members are applying with you:
  • £285 for your partner
  • £315 for one child
  • £200 for each additional child

While £1,270 is the minimum, it’s advisable to save more to cover several months of living expenses, as job searches can take time. To prove you meet the financial requirements, you’ll need to provide bank statements or other evidence showing the required amount has been available for at least 28 consecutive days, with the last day falling within 31 days of your visa application date. If you’ve been in the UK on a valid visa for the past 12 months, this financial requirement is waived.

In addition to the savings requirement, be prepared to cover visa-related costs, including the qualification validation fee and the healthcare surcharge for your stay. Meeting these financial obligations ensures a smoother application process and sets you up for a successful transition to the UK

How to apply for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa

Applying for the HPI visa is a straightforward process that can be completed online. To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, prepare all necessary documents before you begin and follow these steps:

1. Verify your degree with Ecctis. Use Ecctis to confirm that your degree is valid and comparable to a UK degree. This qualification verification costs £210.
2. Create an account. Register on the UK’s Visa and Immigration service website so that you can save and return to your application as needed.
3. Complete the application. Fill out the online form with your contact information, passport number, and other required details.
4. Upload required documents. Ensure all the following documents are ready to submit:
   •       A copy of your passport
   •       The statement from Ecctis validating your degree
   •       Evidence of sufficient funds
   •       SELT test scores, if applicable
   •       Proof of your relationship with your partner or children if they’re applying with you
   •       Negative tuberculosis test results if you’re from a listed country
5. Pay the fees. £715 for the visa application and £1248 for the healthcare surcharge, covering your two-year stay.

HPI visa application timeline

Applying for the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa involves several steps, each with its own timeframe:

How to add a partner and children to the HPI visa 

Adding your partner and children to your HPI visa is straightforward. Each qualifying dependent must complete a separate online application, similar to the main HPI visa process. They will need to provide documents proving their identity and financial means to support themselves in the UK for up to one month. Each applicant is also required to pay the application fee and the healthcare surcharge.

• Healthcare surcharge costs: £2,070 for partners and £1,552 for children under 18.
• Proof of relationship: Dependents must also submit evidence of their relationship with you, which could include:
  • A marriage license for partners
  • A rental agreement showing a shared residence for at least two years
  • A bank statement for a shared account

By following these steps, your family can join you in the UK under the HPI visa.

How to continue living and working in the UK after your HPI visa expires

The HPI visa cannot be extended, so to stay in the UK after it ends, you’ll need to switch to another visa or secure sponsorship from a UK employer. Start planning your next steps well before your HPI visa expires to avoid disruptions.

• Skilled Worker visa: This is the most common work permit in the UK and requires employer sponsorship. It allows you to stay in the UK for up to five years, after which you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if you wish to continue living and working in the UK.
• Temporary Work Government Authorised Exchange (TW GAE) visa: This visa provides an additional year to stay in the UK but is not renewable. It can give you extra time to explore your next visa options or gain experience before applying for a longer-term solution.

When planning your visa strategy, consider the order of applications to maximize your time in the UK. For example, you cannot apply for an HPI visa if you’ve already received a Graduate visa or participated in the Doctorate Extension Scheme. If you’re transitioning between visas, ensure you apply early enough to avoid gaps, as leaving the UK and reapplying from abroad may be required if your current visa lapses.

Move to the UK without a job offer with the HPI visa

Most visas require employer sponsorship, which can limit international job opportunities and make it challenging to move abroad after graduation. However, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa allows you to move to the UK and get a work permit without a job offer. For eligible graduates, this unique visa provides an opportunity to unlock exciting career prospects and experience life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application steps, you can take the first step toward making your UK career dreams a reality.