Global Talent Visa

Page Contents

• Who can apply for the Global Talent Visa?
• Eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Visa
• What documents do you need to apply?
• Waiting time and application fee
• How do I get an endorsement for the Global Talent Visa?
• What are the benefits of the Global Talent Visa?
• Frequently asked questions

• Academia or research
• Arts and culture
• Digital technology

Some of the fields included within these categories include science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, architecture, fashion, and film and television.

Eligible applicants must apply to the appropriate endorsing body and outline how they meet the eligibility criteria.

It can be a complex and difficult application due to the rigorous nature of the application process for both the endorsement and visa stages.

The government’s Global Talent immigration rules outline eligibility criteria in further detail, but if there is any doubt, it is recommended to consult with an immigration solicitor who can advise you on your personal circumstances.

The applicant must apply for the visa from outside the UK and they must obtain 70 points under the new points-based immigration system to qualify for this visa.

Applicants can meet the 70-point requirement through one of the following means:

• The applicant has been awarded a prize listed in the immigration rules under Prestigious Prizes (e.g., a Nobel Prize or Golden Global Award)
• The applicant is making an initial application with an endorsement and has been issued an endorsement by an approved body. The date of the application is no more than three months after the date on the endorsement letter, and the endorsement has not been withdrawn
• Applicants who are applying to extend their stay can obtain 70 points if they can demonstrate they met the earned money requirement, and that if they were issued with an endorsement, this endorsement has not since been withdrawn

You can use the Gov.uk’s online application form to apply for the visa.

The eligibility requirements for the visa vary considerably depending on the applicant’s circumstances and areas of expertise.

This section provides an overview of the eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Visa:

Arts and culture endorsement

• An eligible applicant must demonstrate that they have been professionally engaged in producing an outstanding work of art
  • They should have a record of regular professional engagement in their field over the last five years
  • They have a substantial track record in more than one country
• They have three letters of recommendation from eligible organisations
• They have evidence of work or performance in at least two countries with media recognition
• They have exceptional promise with evidence from at least one country

Architecture endorsement

• The applicant should provide three letters of recommendation from eligible organisations
• To evidence exceptional talent, the applicant should demonstrate proof of winning an award or a body of work within at least two countries with media recognition

Fashion design industry endorsement

• The applicant has a leading role in the fashion industry and can demonstrate professional engagement in the last five years
• The applicant can provide three letters of recommendation
• An applicant with exceptional promise can provide examples of media recognition or sponsorship from an eligible fashion organisation

Film and television endorsement

• The applicant has won a ‘main award’ (e.g., an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, or an Emmy Award), or has been nominated for one of these awards in the last ten years
• Evidence of three letters of recommendation from relevant bodies

Digital technology endorsement

• A technical applicant has proven expertise in building relevant technical infrastructure
• A business applicant has proven commercial investment or product development expertise
• The applicant provides a CV with career achievements and three letters of recommendation from relevant bodies

Science, engineering, humanities, and medicine fields endorsement

• The applicant is an active researcher or leading industry individual in their relevant fields in an eligible organisation

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there are strict eligibility requirements for each category that applicants must be able to evidence to be granted the Global Talent Visa based on their area of expertise.

If you believe you are eligible, the best way to receive an endorsement for the Global Talent Visa from an endorsing body is to carefully read the requirements of each organisation and then demonstrate how you meet the criteria in your application.

The requirements for each endorsing body can be found at the below links:

• Tech Nation applicant eligibility guide
• Arts Council of England eligibility guide
• The Royal Society applicant eligibility routes to endorsement
• Royal Academy of Engineering visa overview page
• The British Academy visa overview
• UK Research and Innovation visa overview

By submitting an endorsement application and paying the fee to the relevant body, you will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you can then apply to the Home Office for your visa.

Peer Review Endorsement

The reason that the visa is popular is because it allows holders greater advantages and freedoms when working in the UK.

Some of the benefits include:

• You are eligible to work for a number of employers or be self-employed in your relevant industry (you are not tied to a single employer, as may be the case with other visas, including the Skilled Worker Visa)
• The organisation employing you does not need to hold a sponsor licence and you do not need to apply for a certificate of sponsorship
• You are free to change your job without informing the Home Office
• There is no end limit of stay for eligible holders of this visa. The initial visa grant is made for five years and can be extended if the holder can demonstrate they meet the extension requirements
• You may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after holding the visa for five years. If granted and held for one year, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship

How to apply for the global talent visa

Applying for the Global Talent Visa in the United Kingdom is a process designed for highly skilled individuals in various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts, and culture. To apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must follow these steps:

Eligibility Assessment

Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Global Talent Visa. You must be recognized as a leader or emerging leader in your respective field and endorsed by a recognized endorsing body in the UK.

Choose an Endorsing Body

Identify the appropriate endorsing body for your field. The endorsing bodies are responsible for assessing and endorsing your application based on your achievements and contributions in your field. Each endorsing body has its own specific criteria, so you should carefully review their requirements before proceeding.

Prepare Your Documents

Gather all the necessary documents to support your application. These typically include:

• A valid passport or travel document
• A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
• Letters of recommendation or references from experts in your field
• Evidence of your work, publications, awards, or achievements
• Proof of your English language proficiency (if applicable)
• A letter of endorsement from the endorsing body

Complete the Online Application

Visit the UK government’s official visa application website and complete the online Global Talent Visa application form. You will need to create an account and pay the visa application fee.

Attend your Biometric Appointment

If required, you may need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.

Attend an Endorsement Review

After submitting your online application, your endorsement body will review your application and make a decision. They will either endorse your application or provide feedback for improvement.

Submit Supporting Documents

Once you have received your endorsement, you will need to submit your endorsement letter along with the required supporting documents to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge 

You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This surcharge covers access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.

Attend an Interview (if required)

In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview as part of the application process.

Wait for a Decision

After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary, but you can check the average processing times on the UK government’s website.

Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)

If your application is approved, you will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that you must collect within a specified period after your arrival in the UK.

It’s important to note that the Global Talent Visa application process can be complex, and it’s highly recommended to seek legal advice or guidance from a qualified immigration expert such as our qualified team at IAS to ensure a smooth and successful application. Additionally, the requirements and procedures may change, so always refer to the latest guidance on the UK government’s official website before applying.

Whether You Are a Business Or an Individual – IAS Can Help With The Global Talent Visa

Applying for a Global Talent Visa to bring exceptional talents to the UK can be a complex process, particularly when addressing the specific endorsement and eligibility requirements in your field. This process involves various document submissions and meticulous navigation of the application steps.

If you require guidance and support with your Global Talent Visa application, especially regarding meeting the stringent criteria and securing the necessary endorsement, the Immigration Advice Service (IAS) is here to assist you.

Our team comprises seasoned immigration lawyers well-versed in UK immigration laws and regulations. We have a track record of successfully guiding individuals through intricate immigration processes, and we are committed to extending the same level of support to you.

Whether you need expert assistance in securing the required endorsements, clarifying the eligibility criteria for your specific talent category, assembling the requisite documentation, or understanding the intricacies of maintaining your visa status, we are here to help. We can also provide guidance in the event of endorsement or visa application rejections.

For comprehensive information about the Global Talent Visa, including eligibility, endorsement, application procedures, and personalized advice tailored to your unique talents and situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today at 0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

The documents you need to apply for the visa depend on the exact nature of your application and the evidence required by one of the six endorsing bodies.

Some of the documents you should expect to provide include the following:

Arts and culture applications

• A comprehensive CV outlining your career achievements (no more than three A4 pages in length)
• Three recommendation letters confirming your achievements and outlining what benefits you would bring to the UK under the Global Talent Visa
• Up to ten ‘pieces of evidence’ to support your application and your achievements (e.g., media recognition, international awards, appearances, or exhibitions)

Digital technology applications

• Three letters of recommendation from established and eligible organisations confirming your position as an industry leader and outlining how you can continue to contribute to the field
• Proof of a digital technology business which you have established/ in which you have played a key role
• Up to ten pieces of evidence to demonstrate your eligibility and level of qualification

Researchers and academic leader applications

• A letter from the head of human resources at your organisation outlining your details, the nature of your work, the interview process by which you obtained the position and other relevant details
• Details of work you have undertaken and achievements in your role

Research grant applications

• Confirmation that you have been issued a grant from your funder and that you are in receipt of at least £30,000 and that your grant will last at least two years

Peer-reviewed applications

• Confirmation from an industry leader with internationally recognised expertise stating how that person knows you and the nature of your potential contributions within your industry to the UK

Other documents

As well as the above list (which is not exhaustive), you will be required to provide other documents as part of the application.

This includes your passport, tuberculosis test results (where relevant), and certified translations of documents not in English (where relevant).

Waiting time

The majority of applications for the Global Talent Visa will be decided within three weeks from the date of application.

If the Home Office requires further information based on your situation, you will be required to submit this and it may prolong the waiting period.

The earliest you can apply for the visa is three months in advance of your intended date of travel to work in the UK.

You may be able to apply for a priority service at an additional cost to receive a faster decision on your application.

You will be given information on this when you submit your application.

Application fee

The cost of the Global Talent Visa application is £623. If you are applying based on an endorsement, the cost of the endorsement is £456 and the visa application is £167.

If you are applying based on receipt of an eligible award, you will be required to pay £623 in total.

It is possible to include dependents on your application, and the cost of each individual is £623.

As well as this, applicants are required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (usually £624 per person per year).

You can check how much you need to pay at the Gov.uk eligibility checker page.