by Quick answer: The main UK work visa without a job offer for overseas graduates is the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. You need a degree from a university on the UK’s Global Universities List, awarded in the last 5 years. It lasts 2 years, or 3 years with a PhD, and lets you work in most jobs or look for work. The fee is £880 (eight hundred and eighty pounds), plus the Immigration Health Surcharge of £1,035 a year.
This guide explains how to get a UK work visa without a job offer, who qualifies for the HPI visa and what it costs.
Last verified: 4 October 2026 against GOV.UK.
Which UK work visa does not need a job offer?
Most UK work visas, such as the Skilled Worker visa, need a sponsor. The HPI visa is different, because GOV.UK says you do not need a job offer to apply. Instead, it is based on where you studied.
If you studied in the UK, the Graduate visa may suit you instead. Read our Graduate Route visa guide.
High Potential Individual visa requirements
- A qualification at the level of a UK bachelor’s, postgraduate degree or PhD.
- It must come from a university on the Global Universities List for the year you graduated. UK universities are not on the list.
- It must have been awarded in the last 5 years.
- Ecctis must confirm that your qualification meets the UK standard.
- English at level B1.
- Personal savings, unless you have been in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.
You cannot apply if you have already held a Graduate visa or Doctorate Extension Scheme status. Also, you can only get an HPI visa once.
How much the UK work visa without a job offer costs
| Cost | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee | £880 |
| Immigration Health Surcharge | £1,035 a year (£2,070 for 2 years) |
| Ecctis check | £252 |
| Savings to show | £1,270, held for 28 days in a row |
So for a 2-year HPI visa, the fee, IHS and Ecctis check add up to £3,202, before the £1,270 you must show in savings.
What you can do on the HPI visa
GOV.UK says you can work in most jobs and look for work. However, you cannot extend the HPI visa. Instead, you can switch to another visa, such as the Skilled Worker visa, before it ends.
Is the HPI visa open to Nigerian, Indian and Pakistani graduates?
Yes, if your university is on the Global Universities List for your graduation year. The rule is about the university, not your nationality. So check the list for your graduation year before you pay for anything.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UK work visa without a job offer?
Yes, through the HPI visa if you meet its rules. Otherwise, UK graduates can look at the Graduate visa.
How long is the HPI visa?
It lasts 2 years, or 3 years if you have a PhD or other doctorate.
What happens after the HPI visa?
You must switch to another visa before it ends, for example the Skilled Worker visa. See the Skilled Worker visa salary threshold.
Official sources
This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK before you apply.
