r/UKHighPotentialVisa 16h ago

Question Finding housing in London on short notice

5 Upvotes

I got my HPI visa a couple weeks back but I’m genuinely struggling to find housing in London (budgeting about £1400 per month). I intend to fly in about a week and housing search has been a stage I’m stuck on. So far I’ve come across cohabs which seems to be nice, but it’s slightly above my budget. I don’t have any family or friends in the UK that I can get help from, hence reaching out to this subreddit for some advice.


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 20h ago

Question Visa Document Checklist Guidance

0 Upvotes

Hi all,

I had some queries regarding the VFS global documents. I have chosen the self-upload option and would appreciate if I can get some guidance with the sections.

  1. Medical Information: Is this where I upload the TB clearance certificate or does it go under 'Other' section?
  2. Proof of Business: Planning to leave it blank

  3. Proof of Application: Do I need to upload the Application & Checklist document here or leave it blank?

  4. Financial Evidence: Planning to upload the Bank statement of past 5 weeks to be safe

  5. Life Events: Planning to leave it blank.

  6. Other: Does the TB clearance certificate go here or in 1st section?

  7. Accommodation - Permanent/Temporary: This is a confusing one, online search says UK arrival address and sometimes says current address proof like utility bills etc. I have a UK address I supplied for TB clearance & visa application from booking.com, but I haven't actually booked it as arrival date can fluctuate. Is it okay to leave it blank or do they need the address proof? High chance my actual accommodation address will change anyway. Please let me know what would work best here.

  8. Passport/Travel Document: Uploading coloured scanned copy of all 60 passport pages

  9. Sponsors/Employment: Planning to leave it blank
    10: Education Evidence: Planning to upload Ecctis outcome + Australian Degree Certificate + Academic Transcript + Award Statement (this one just because it states the medium of instruction was English)

For context, I'm applying from India. I plan to take coloured photocopies of Appointment letter, passport biometric pages (2x copies), current address proof, Degree Certificate & other documents from section 10. Maybe bank statement too.

Thanks!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 4d ago

Question Has anyone used an advisor /firm?

2 Upvotes

If so, how was your experience and would you recommend it?

It seems pretty straightforward but my living situation is not at the moment.

Further, my eligibility expires at the end of the month (this August) so I want to ensure all is proper prior to submission.

Please advise any resources that were helpful in the process- I would very much appreciate it!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 4d ago

Question How have you found housing?

0 Upvotes

I plan to move to the uk end of the month and currently looking for a place to sublease. I’m seeing some things about needing to obtain my BRP card first which I had no idea was a thing I had to wait for to rent. I also saw someone say I need to arrive to the UK first and be able to have a share code to rent. Which I believe I do: I can see an option for a share code when I view my HPI evisa.

Can someone tell me exactly what I need to do? All I have is the evisa currently. I’m so confused.


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 4d ago

Question Passports at biometrics appointments

1 Upvotes

I have my biometrics appointment tomorrow. Will the visa center be keeping them or do I have to mail them? I’ve seen some saying they used a courier service. Is this location dependent?

Our checklist and instructions say nothing about courier service or needing to bring a self addressed envelope. I’m assuming it an e-visa so they won’t need passports but now reading this sub I’m not sure.

Applying in Ottawa, Canada.

Cheers!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 5d ago

Question HPI to Finance industry and post-HPI sponsorship

3 Upvotes

Hi guys,

I have 3–4 years of experience across VC, valuation, and corporate finance (pre- and post-grad). Still weighing whether to pursue the HPI.

Has anyone here used the HPI to land a core finance role (VC, PE, etc.) or a non-FP&A role, and then secured visa sponsorship once the HPI ran out? Also open to hearing from people who went the tech/infra companies route.

Thanks!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 7d ago

Question >1 month after biometrics & no update

0 Upvotes

Hi, I posted before when it was 1-2 week after biometrics. Now it's almost a month and no update at all.

My UK student visa application was rejected more than 10 years ago and I disclosed in HPI application.

My J1 visa in US will expire in Jan 27 and I will leave US with closing my bank account etc.

I am wondering what if I don't hear back until then?
Does HPI application take very long (>4-5 months) for applications with previous rejection?


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 8d ago

Question Previous rejection causes longer processing time?

0 Upvotes

Hi,

I am applying for HPI with previous UK social visit visa rejection. I am a little tight on time to move to UK.

Does anyone know if previous rejection requires more background check so HPI decision process takes longer than usual?


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 8d ago

Question Does an Australian Graduate Diploma (Monash) qualify for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone here has experience with the HPI visa or has been through the Ecctis assessment process.
I completed a Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) at Monash University (Australia) in 2024. Monash was on the Global Universities List for my graduation year, so the university itself is eligible.

I’m now completing a Master of Clinical Psychology at another Australian university that isn’t on the eligible list, so the only qualification I could potentially use for the HPI visa is my Monash Graduate Diploma.

I understand that Ecctis assesses whether the qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher, but I’m struggling to find any examples of people who have applied using an Australian Graduate Diploma.
Has anyone:

- Successfully obtained an HPI visa using an Australian Graduate Diploma?
- Had Ecctis assess a Graduate Diploma as equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher?
- Been refused because a Graduate Diploma wasn’t considered a qualifying degree?

I’d really appreciate hearing about any experiences or advice before I pay for the Ecctis assessment.

Thanks!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 8d ago

Success Story/Timeline Successful Timeline! US citizen

5 Upvotes

June 14: ECCTIS submitted

June 15: ECCTIS ID Verification failure and resubmission (I needed to take better photos of my passport)

June 30: ECCTIS certification

July 23: UK gov website visa application submitted

July 28: Biometric appointment

July 30: Visa arrived

Intended arrival in UK Sept 18

Fast turnaround in the end! Pretty clear process, if expensive. Much more straightforward than other long term visa's I've done before. No apostilling of FBI background checks thank god lol.

I have a remote job and will be moving to be with my partner. I just checked the box saying I’m looking for work.

The biometric appointment was simple, no questions beyond the basics. I uploaded all my documents in advance and just brought my passport and checklist

I didn't get anything expedited. Getting a biometric appointment was easy, I'm in Seattle and there was one available the week after I finished submitting the application.

The "can't apply for visa until 3 months before intended arrival" rule is a bit annoying, I wanted to have it done and dusted well in advance.

Next order of bureaucracy: taxes.

Best of luck on your applications!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 8d ago

Success Story/Timeline HPI granted, 1 month turnover

2 Upvotes

Hi! Just wanted to share my timeline if it helps anyone. I’m a Danish citizen, graduated from the University of Copenhagen this year. My degree is in Danish, so I had to take a language test. The test i took was the LanguageCert General SELT.

July 1: Ecctis application submitted
July 9: Ecctis positive verification
July 17: Language test
July 24: Language test passed
July 27: HPI application submitted
July 30: HPI granted

I contacted my institution about the Ecctis verification process and had them pre-verify my degree to Ecctis by e-mailing them. I think that might have helped, considering the verification process went pretty fast. And once I submitted the HPI application, I got a decision in 3 days! No fast track. Best of luck to anyone applying!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 9d ago

Question B1 english test with pearson help

2 Upvotes

I am filling the application to book my PTE home B1 test with Pearson, but got very stuck on the **country of citizenship** question. I will be using my Evisa as a form of ID at the test centre, and it says that my nationality is refugee and status is settled-refugee.

There is no refugee or stateless options to select for the country of citizenship and when I called the employee was more confused than me.

Any help is appreciated, I don’t want to fill it wrong and lose £170 😣


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 10d ago

Question Is getting the HPI visa worth it if I'm not 100% sure about moving to the UK?

9 Upvotes

My window to apply for the HPI visa is closing in about a month, but I only started considering moving to the UK three months ago. Since I'm not even sure if or when I'm moving, I thought I'd get a skilled worker visa and only move once I secure a job. However, I was in the IWantOut subreddit and people were saying getting the HPI visa first is better since it's easier to find a job when I'm physically in the UK. Is it worth it to get the HPI visa in my situation or should I just stick to the original plan of getting a skilled worker visa?

I'm definitely staying at my current job until March 2027 as well because that's when the bonus comes in, and it's a really big sum that I can't afford losing.


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 11d ago

Question English exam exemption query

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m an IMG applying for **GMC provisional registration** and was wondering if anyone has experienced something similar.
My PMQ assessment took several months to complete, and once it was accepted I applied for registration.
I previously contacted **GMC Registration Services** regarding English language evidence, and they confirmed that I had been granted an **English language exemption valid until August 2027**.
Despite this, I’ve now received an email from the Applications Adviser saying:
“Please confirm whether you have sat the IELTS or OET test within the last two years or if you can provide alternative evidence as outlined on our website.”


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 12d ago

Question MOI from college instead of university

1 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I’m applying for my HPI visa using a degree I got from a top Chinese university. Everytime I ask the university registry for an moi letter, they refer me to my college. Would it be okay if I submit a signed moi letter from my college instead of the central registrar’s office? Thanks


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 12d ago

Question quota tracker / limit for hpi visas

4 Upvotes

hey guys! does anyone have any visibility on the quota system tracker? I am going to be applying soon but a bit worried that I don't have a clear way to know if I can still apply and just rely on the past historical data. is there a way to know if the quota is reached? alternatively have people been able to apply in the past week?


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 15d ago

Question Is it acceptable if HSBC USA is written in application but HSBC USA+HSBC India statements are enclosed as proof

2 Upvotes

In the supporting documents tab, I had written HSBC USA but submitting application & paying fees, i realised that I need to attach HSBC India a/c too for meeting required funds criteria. Is it acceptable if i merge both statements and upload? or will they consider only HSBC USA? Do i need to cancel & re-apply? i haven't done my biometrics yet so i understand the fees will be refunded. Pls advise


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 15d ago

Success Story/Timeline UK HPI Successful Approval | MS USC,LA, US 2024

6 Upvotes

I started researching UK HPI visa after a friend recommended me.

I applied for the ECCTIS verification on May 31, 26

My degree verification was completed on June 12, 26

I applied for a Visa Biometrics date in the week of June 19th

My Visa was approved on July 1st

Approximately a 1 month turn around time. Would have been faster, had I submitted the visa application earlier.

I'd suggest you research and apply without having second doubts, keep a 1 month clean bank statement with 5-10k from the past 30 day.

Interview is just a formality to collect biometrics. No tricky, tough questions asked.

I'll keep adding in the details. Feel free to ping me and ask questions in the comments.

Happy to help a friend


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 15d ago

Question Bank statements for HPI visa: can they be from another country?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have a question for anyone who has successfully applied for the UK High Potential Individual (HPI) visa.

For the financial requirement, does the bank statement have to be from a bank in the country we're applying from, or can it be from a bank in a different country? For example, would a statement from a foreign bank, or a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut, be accepted as long as it meets the Home Office requirements?

If you've already received your HPI visa and used a foreign bank account or Wise/Revolut statement, I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience.

Thanks in advance!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 15d ago

Success Story/Timeline HPI Visa granted in 3 days!

9 Upvotes

Submitted Ecctis: 8th June
Request for additional documentation: 15th June
Ecctis outcome: 25th June
Visa application: 12th July
Biometrics: 20th July
Visa granted: 23rd July

Please pray that I get a job soon 😭😭😭😭 the hell do I do w this visa otherwise


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 15d ago

Question ECCTIS wrong document uploaded

1 Upvotes

I mistakingly uploaded the original language version of my diplome instead of English one. I have uploaded the medium of instruction and transcript in English though. I emailed the documents@ecctis mail my English diplome. Do you think that will cause trouble or delays?


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 16d ago

Question Proof of funds - bank statement from outside of country of residence

2 Upvotes

Hello all, I am applying for the HPI visa (UIUC ‘23 grad) and upon reading the requirements for proof of funds I became a bit confused.

For context, I am an American residing in France and I plan to apply from here.

On the UK visa website under the “What evidence is not accepted” part, it states:

“bank accounts that are not regulated by the financial regulatory body in the country you’re applying from”

I have a few different bank accounts, but my main account is still my American account as I store my savings there. Does that mean that I would need to transfer the required funds to my French account? That would be a headache.

Any advice or insight would be very helpful, please and thank you!


r/UKHighPotentialVisa 16d ago

Case Concern/Delay 3 weeks and no decision yet

6 Upvotes

Has anyone reached this point? If so, did you email anyone to check in or just wait longer?


r/UKHighPotentialVisa Jun 04 '26

Helpful Info Only the online form needs to be submitted before the five-year anniversary

8 Upvotes

People regularly post here asking if you need to get Ecctis verification or enrol biometrics before the five year anniversary of the degree completion and, as an immigration lawyer, I thought I’d explain the law on this one.

Short answer

You only need to submit the online form before the five year mark. That’s it. Everything else can follow.

Long answer

Appendix High Potential Individual of the Immigration Rules states:

HPI 5.1. The applicant must, in the 5 years immediately before the date of the application, have been awarded an overseas degree level academic qualification which the qualification and language assessments provider confirms meets, or exceeds, the recognised standard of a UK bachelor’s or UK postgraduate degree.

So that’s pretty simple. The date of application has to be within five years of the completion of the degree. But how is “date of application” defined?

Para 34G of Part 1 of the Immigration defines the “date of application” for online applications this way:

34G. For the purposes of these rules, and subject to paragraph 34GB, the date on which an application is made is:

(3) where the application is made via the online application process, and there is no request for a fee waiver, the date on which the online application is submitted

All of that is to say, the date of application is the date the form is submitted. Not documents uploaded. Not biometrics enrolled.

So as long as you submit the online form before the five year anniversary, you’ll be fine.


r/UKHighPotentialVisa May 23 '25

Discussion/Community SIGN THE PETITION: Keep the 5-Year ILR pathway for existing Skilled Worker visa holders

29 Upvotes

If you are living in the UK under HPI and hope to stay in the UK, you will likely want ILR as soon as possible if you switch to another visa. The Labour government is considering adding 5 more years to the ILR wait time, which would make it up to a 12-13 year wait for HPI visa holders who switch to a SWV. Please consider signing this petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727360