TL;DR
Apply online through your UKVI account. Book biometrics after approval. Standard processing is ~3 weeks; priority is 5 business days. The HPI cannot be extended — plan your next visa before it expires.
The application process step by step
- Create or log into your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account at gov.uk
- Complete the online HPI application form — it takes about 45 minutes
- Upload your documents: passport, Ecctis certificate, bank statements, TB test if needed
- Pay the visa application fee (£880) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£1,035/year)
- Submit — you'll receive a confirmation email
- Book a biometric enrolment appointment at a UKVCAS service point
- Attend your biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo)
- Wait for the Home Office decision
- If approved, you'll receive your permission digitally (an eVisa) — no physical card
Processing times
- Standard: approximately 3 weeks
- Priority service: 5 business days (additional £500 fee)
- Super Priority: next working day (£1,000 additional fee, availability varies)
Costs in full
- Visa application fee: £880
- Immigration Health Surcharge: £1,035 × number of years (£2,070 for 2-year visa, £3,105 for PhD 3-year visa)
- Ecctis certificate: £252
- Priority service (optional): £500
- TB test (if required): typically £50–£150 at an approved clinic
Planning what comes after HPI
The HPI visa cannot be extended and does not count towards indefinite leave to remain. This means you need a plan for what happens at the end of your 2 or 3 years. Start thinking about this from day one — don't leave it to the last few months.
Most common next steps:
- Skilled Worker visa — if you have a UK job offer from a licensed sponsor at the required salary threshold
- Global Talent visa — if you've built a strong enough track record during your HPI years (publications, open source, speaking, impact). Many people use HPI specifically to build the evidence they need for GTV
- Innovator Founder visa — if you're founding a business and can get endorsement from an approved body
- indefinite leave to remain (ILR) — not directly from HPI, but switching to Skilled Worker or GTV and accumulating the required continuous residence