High Potential Individual visa cost UK
The HPI route combines a fixed Home Office fee with an Ecctis qualification check and the healthcare surcharge for the duration you qualify for.
Fees based on GOV.UK data as of 2026-03-18
This route-specific calculator is informational only and does not replace the full GOV.UK guidance for eligibility, service availability, or route documents.
Fee summary
Current fee bands
Outside the UK
Inside the UK
Processing
Decision timings
Outside the UK
Inside the UK
Requirements summary
What to confirm first
- An eligible degree institution and Ecctis validation where required.
- An application location that matches the route rules.
- Identity and evidence planning before you pay the visa and IHS total.
Useful tools
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FAQ
High Potential Individual cost questions
Does the HPI calculator include the Ecctis validation fee?
Yes. The estimate includes the standard Ecctis validation cost as a separate line item for the main applicant because it is a common upfront HPI expense.
Why can HPI duration be 2 or 3 years?
Most HPI visas last 2 years. Applicants with a PhD or other doctoral qualification can usually get 3 years instead.
Can I extend an HPI visa?
No. The HPI route cannot usually be extended, but many applicants later switch into a different route such as Skilled Worker.
Next steps
Once the High Potential Individual numbers still look realistic, the next move is to validate sponsor fit, confirm salary logic, and then narrow into real employers.