Citizenship Areas
Explore work and career opportunities in the UK after a qualifying award from an eligible overseas university, without needing an employer sponsor.
The route is for eligible recent graduates of universities on the relevant Global Universities List. We review the qualification, award date and the list covering that period.
HPI is an unsponsored route. You do not need a UK job offer to apply, but must meet the route’s individual immigration conditions.
Permission is normally granted for two years, or three years for a PhD or other doctoral qualification. HPI permission cannot be extended.
University eligibility and qualification comparability are separate checks. We can review the relevant university list and advise on the Ecctis assessment required for your award.
UK university qualifications do not qualify for HPI. If you studied in the UK, our Graduate visa service may be more relevant.
We assist with overseas applications and eligible switches from within the UK, coordinating the qualification assessment, application timing and family arrangements.
Review your university, award date, qualification and previous immigration permissions to identify whether HPI is an appropriate route.
We advise on the relevant Ecctis assessment and prepare the immigration application with the appropriate supporting information.
We assist with submission and the instructed identity-check process or biometric appointment.
Review the decision and conditions, coordinate eligible family applications and plan your work and future immigration options.
Switching depends on your current UK immigration status. Prior HPI, Graduate or Doctorate Extension Scheme permission can prevent an HPI application, so the full immigration history needs to be reviewed.
The route has an annual application limit, with the allocation year running from 1 November to 31 October. Application availability and qualification timing should be checked before proceeding.
Qualification assessment, visa, healthcare and professional costs should be considered together when planning the application.
HPI permission allows work in most jobs, looking for work and self-employment without employer sponsorship. You can normally change employer without a sponsored-work update application.
Study on HPI permission is restricted where the course is eligible for the Student route. We can review proposed study or training and advise whether another application is appropriate.
A qualifying spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner may apply to join you or remain with you in the UK, subject to the applicable relationship conditions.
Eligible dependent children can apply, including certain older children who already hold dependant permission. Each child’s circumstances need individual review.
Each family member needs a separate application and eligibility assessment. Their permission will normally be linked to the main applicant’s HPI grant.
HPI is a one-time route. If you want to stay longer, another suitable immigration route should be assessed before your permission expires.
A UK job offer does not by itself guarantee the right to remain. The new route’s sponsorship, eligibility and application conditions must be met.
An eligible role with an approved employer may support a move to Skilled Worker or, where appropriate, Health and Care Worker. We review the proposed job and sponsorship arrangements.
Global Talent, Innovator Founder or an appropriate family route may be relevant to your circumstances. Each requires a separate assessment and application.
Explore our Skilled Worker, Global Talent and Innovator Founder services, or discuss the appropriate next step with us.
HPI does not lead directly to settlement. If you later move to a settlement route, that route’s qualifying period and conditions apply; HPI time does not automatically count towards its qualifying period.
We can review your full immigration history and longer-term plans when advising on future options, rather than assuming that time spent in the UK creates an automatic entitlement.
Naturalisation has its own status, residence, absence, language, good-character and other conditions. HPI permission does not confer settlement or citizenship.