# High Potential Individual visa eligibility for Indian applicants, 2026

Who qualifies for the High Potential Individual visa from India, the thresholds that apply in 2026 and the tools to check before you pay.

Source: https://ukvisadesk.com/visas/high-potential-individual-visa/eligibility · Updated 2026-10-08 · Reviewed by UK Visa Desk counselling team, licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024 · UK Visa Desk, a brand of Pro Lifeset Overseas Private Limited, Patiala, India. WhatsApp +91 91155 80911, Mon to Sat, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM IST.

- Degree from a university on the Global Universities List for the year it was awarded, within the last 5 years
- The degree verified by ECCTIS as equivalent to a UK bachelor's, master's or PhD
- English at CEFR B2 for applications from 8 January 2026, raised from B1
- £1,270 held for 28 days unless in the UK for 12 months
- Not previously held a High Potential Individual, Graduate or Doctorate Extension Scheme visa
- Partner and children can apply as dependants

## FAQ
**Is IIT or IIM on the list?**
No. The list takes universities ranked in the top 50 of at least two global rankings, and no Indian institution has qualified so far. Check the list for your award year on gov.uk.

**Can I apply from India?**
Yes, this is an entry clearance route. It is simple enough that most applicants file it themselves, so we provide information rather than a service.

**Does it lead to settlement?**
No. The 2 or 3 years do not count, and it cannot be extended. People usually switch to a sponsored route from inside the UK.

Full guide: https://ukvisadesk.com/visas/high-potential-individual-visa.md

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UK Visa Desk is a brand of Pro Lifeset Overseas Private Limited, a visa consultancy licensed by the Government of Punjab, India. We are a private company, not affiliated with the UK Government, and we are not regulated by the UK Immigration Advice Authority. We serve applicants who are in India; applicants already in the UK are referred to a regulated UK adviser. We do not handle work visas. Information here is general, not legal advice, and no visa outcome is guaranteed.
We do not handle UK work visas. Applicants already in the UK are referred to a regulated adviser.