Global Talent Visa UK | Global Talent Visa Lawyer

What is the Global Talent Visa in UK?

The UK’s Global Talent Visa is a highly sought-after immigration category designed for non-British nationals who want to come to the UK for the purposes of work or employment in specific industries.

In most cases, applicants are required to receive an official endorsement from one of six approved endorsing bodies.

The following endorsing bodies issue endorsements for eligible applicants in science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities and other academic and research roles.

• The British Academy
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
• The Royal Society
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

When applying for endorsement, the four routes available to eligible academics and researchers include academic and research appointments, individual fellowships, endorsed funders, and peer review.

The bodies that oversee applicant endorsements within the fields of non-academic arts, culture, and digital technology include; Arts Council England.

Receiving an endorsement from an approved body is the first step in the process. The applicant must then submit their visa application and endorsement for approval by the Home Office.

The application process for the Global Talent Visa can be complex and it is important to submit your endorsement and visa application forms at the highest standard to maximise your chances of a successful application.

Contact IAS on +44 (0)333 414 9244 for a confidential discussion about how we can assist you with your application.

Who is Eligible for Global Talent Visa in UK?

The visa is open to eligible applicants aged over 18 years old who have exceptional talent (are leaders) or exceptional promise ( are potential future leaders) in one of the following fields:

• 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.

Applicants can apply from outside the UK or switch from eligible visas within the UK, such as Skilled Worker or Innovator visas and they must either secure endorsement or hold a prestigious prize listed in Appendix Global Talent.

Eligibility is primarily determined through endorsement or receipt of an eligible award, not by accumulating points. 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 are eligible 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.

Requirements for the UK Global Talent 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.

Endorsement for the Global Talent Visa

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:

• 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

To secure a full peer review endorsement for exceptional talent

For Active Researchers:

• Need a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience, including industrial or clinical research.

Meet one of these criteria:

• Belong to a national or foreign academy.
• Received a prestigious international award.
• Fast Track applicants may qualify via fellowships or senior roles without additional letters. Full Peer Review requires a PhD and recommendations.”

For Those with Exceptional Promise:

• Engaged in relevant research at a university, research institute, or industry.
• Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent research experience, including industrial or clinical research.
• In the early career stages.
• Have a prestigious UK-based research fellowship for the past 5 years or an internationally recognised equivalent.

Benefits of the Global Talent Visa UK

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 can be granted for 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s preference and can be extended if the holder can demonstrate they meet the extension requirements
• Exceptional Talent holders may apply for ILR after 3 years. Exceptional Promise applicants (Arts/Tech) require 5 years. If granted and held for one year, you may be eligible to apply for British citizenship

How to Apply for the UK 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
• English proficiency is generally not required unless explicitly requested by the endorsing body
• 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.

What documents do you need to apply for the Global Talent Visa?

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
• 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
• Technical applicants must demonstrate expertise in building technology stacks; business applicants must show commercial success. Three recommendation letters are required.

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. Applicants must provide evidence of securing significant research grants, with requirements varying by endorsing body.

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 for Global Talent Visa Application

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

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.

Global Talent Visa Fees

The cost of the Global Talent Visa application is £205. If you are applying based on an endorsement, the cost of the endorsement is £561 and the visa application is £766 

If you are applying based on receipt of an eligible award, you will be required to pay £205 in total.

It is possible to include dependents on your application, and the cost of each individual is £766.

As well as this, applicants are required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (usually £1,035 per person per year).

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

Dependants on UK Global Talent Visa

You will be able to bring your spouse or partner and dependent children with you on a Global Talent visa, if eligible. They will normally be given the same period of validity on their visas as yours.

The specific family members you will be able to bring with you include the following:

• Your husband, wife, civil partner or unmarried partner
• Your child under 18 – including if they were born in the UK during your stay
• your child over 18 if they currently have permission (‘leave to enter’ or ‘leave to remain’) to be in the UK as your dependant

You will be required to show proof of your family relationship when you apply, such as a marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate or proof of address.

Each dependant applying will have to pay the £766 application fee and the immigration healthcare surcharge.

Each dependant will have the ability to work (except as a sportsperson), study and settle in the UK once they are eligible.

Extend the Global Talent Visa in UK

You can extend your Global Talent visa by another 5 years if either of the following applies to you:

• You applied for the Global Talent visa based on an endorsement, and the organisation that endorsed you has not withdrawn its approval
• You applied for a Global Talent visa based on an eligible award you won, and the award has not been withdrawn

Additionally, you must prove you earned money in your expert field during your time in the UK via documentary evidence.

You must apply to extend your visa before your current permission expires. Applications can be made through the gov.uk site.

It costs £205 to extend your Global Talent visa.

Switch to the Global Talent Visa

You may be able to switch to the Global Talent visa if you’re already in the UK on a different visa.

To be eligible, you must meet all of the regular eligibility criteria for this visa, such as either having won an eligible award or getting endorsement from an approved body.

You cannot switch to a Global Talent visa if you’re in the UK on one of the following:

• A visit visa
• A short-term student visa
• A Parent of a Child Student visa
• A seasonal worker visa
• A domestic worker in a private household visa
• Immigration bail
• Permission to stay outside the immigration rules, for example on compassionate grounds

Additionally, if you wish to switch to this visa from a Student visa, one of the following must apply to you:

• You’ve completed the course you were sponsored to study
• You’ve studied for a PhD for at least 24 months

It costs £205 to switch to a Global Talent visa. You can apply to switch online through the gov.uk website.

Settle in the UK with Global Talent Visa

After spending a certain period of time in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR).

You can apply for ILR

You can apply after 3 years if you were awarded an eligible award or if you were endorsed by either of the following:

• The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society or UK Research and Innovation
• Arts Council England (must have been as a recognised leader – ‘exceptional talent’)

Otherwise, you may be eligible to apply after 5 years.

When applying for ILR, you can also combine time you’ve spent in the UK on other eligible visas to contribute to your residency requirement:

• Any Tier 1 visa except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)
• Tier 2 (General) or Skilled Worker
• Scale-up Worker
• Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) or T2 Minister of Religion
• International Sportsperson, T2 Sportsperson or Tier 2 (Sportsperson)
• Innovator Founder
• Representative of an Overseas Business

You must have spent no more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months, although there may be exceptions if you spent time outside the UK doing work related to your job.

You must also pass the Life in the UK test and prove your knowledge of English.

It costs £2,885 to apply for ILR.

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.

With over 25,000 successful applications under our belt, IAS lawyers have a proven history of guiding clients to success. We are dedicated to providing exceptional service to each applicant and ensuring that their journey toward securing a Global Talent Visa is as seamless as possible. Let our expertise work for you.

At IAS, we pride ourselves on offering unparalleled legal expertise and personalized support. Here’s why you should choose us:

• OISC-Accredited Lawyers: Our team consists of fully accredited and experienced immigration lawyers who are knowledgeable in UK immigration laws and regulations.
• Expertise in Global Talent Visas: We have extensive experience handling applications for the Global Talent Visa and understand the intricacies of securing the necessary endorsements.
• Tailored Advice: We offer individualized guidance based on your unique situation, ensuring that all eligibility criteria are clearly explained and met.
• Comprehensive Support: From securing endorsements to maintaining your visa status, we provide end-to-end assistance to ensure a smooth process.

Services We Provide
We offer a range of services to ensure your Global Talent Visa application is successful, including:

• Endorsement Assistance: Help with selecting the right endorsing body and gathering the required documentation.
• Eligibility Assessment: A thorough review of your eligibility to ensure that all requirements are met.
• Document Preparation: Assistance with compiling and submitting the necessary paperwork for both your endorsement and visa application.
• Rejection Support: Guidance on how to handle an endorsement or visa application rejection, including advice on reapplying and appealing decisions.

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 +44 (0)333 414 9244 or contact us online.