What is the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is designed as a fast-track immigration route for individuals with expertise in academia and research, arts and culture, and digital technology. It replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa in February 2020. This visa is open to both leaders and emerging talents in various fields, including:

• Academia or research
• Arts and culture
• Digital technology
• Architecture
• Fashion design
• Film and television
• Science
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Medicine

Global Talent visas are typically granted for up to five years, with the option to extend for another one to five years. Additionally, visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years for leaders and five years for potential leaders.

Benefits of the Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa offers more flexibility and advantages than other UK work visas, including:

• No English language requirement or job offer needed to apply
• Ability to work for a company, be self-employed, or become a company director
• Freedom to change jobs or stop working without notifying the Home Office
• Option to bring dependents (partner and children)
• No restrictions on traveling abroad and returning to the UK
• Pathway to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after just three years for leaders

Global Talent Visa Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be over 18
• Be a leader or emerging talent in one of the eligible fields
• Obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body (unless exempt)

Unlike many other UK visa categories, the Global Talent Visa does not have salary or English language requirements.

Endorsement Process for Global Talent Visa

A crucial step in applying for a Global Talent Visa is obtaining an endorsement from an approved endorsing body. However, those who hold an eligible award (see below) do not require endorsement.

Endorsing Bodies by Sector

Arts and Culture:

• Arts Council England
• British Fashion Council
• Royal Institute of British Architects
• Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Exceptional Talent applications only)

Digital Technology:

• Tech Nation

Science, Engineering, Humanities, and Medicine:

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

Factors Considered by Endorsing Bodies

Each endorsing body assesses applications based on industry standards. Applicants in academia and research must provide:

• A job offer in academia, research, or innovation leadership
• An approved fellowship from a recognized institution
• An approved research grant

For arts and culture, applicants must demonstrate:

• A history of work in their field for the last five years
• Work that is internationally recognized and considered “outstanding”
• Influence in at least two different countries (if applying as a leader)

For digital technology, applicants must show evidence of:

• Leadership or senior roles in fintech, gaming, cybersecurity, or AI
• Contributions to product-led digital technology companies
• Research published or endorsed by experts in the field

Application Process for a Global Talent Visa

The application process consists of the following steps:

1. Obtain an endorsement from an appropriate endorsing body (if required). Each endorsing body has specific application processes and eligibility criteria.
2. Submit an online application via the Home Office website. Different forms apply for those applying from outside the UK or switching from another visa inside the UK.
3. Verify identity by:
   • Attending a visa application center for biometrics (a small fee of £19.20 applies), or
   • Using the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
4. Pay application fees:
   • £192 for the main application
   • £716 per dependent
5. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) of £1,035 per person per year.

Processing typically takes three weeks for applications outside the UK and eight weeks for switching within the UK.

Global Talent Prestigious Prizes Route

Applicants with an eligible award do not need an endorsement. Recognized awards include:

• Architecture (e.g., Pritzker Prize)
• Arts and Culture (e.g., Booker Prize, Olivier Award)
• Digital Technology (e.g., Turing Award)
• Film and Television (e.g., BAFTA, Golden Globe, Grammy)
• Science, Engineering, Humanities, and Medicine (e.g., Nobel Prize)

Global Talent Visa Extension

To extend the visa, applicants must:

• Maintain the endorsement (unless applying through the Prestigious Prizes route)
• Prove they have earned income from their field in the UK

Acceptable proof of income includes:

• Payslips
• Employer confirmation letters
• Bank statements showing salary payments
• HMRC tax returns
• Dividend vouchers

Extension Fees: £718 per person, plus £1,035 per year for the Immigration Health Surcharge.

Global Talent Visa to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Global Talent visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they have:

• Lived and worked in the UK for three years (leaders) or five years (potential leaders)
• Spent no more than 180 days outside the UK per year

ILR offers significant benefits, including:

• No requirement to apply for further visas
• Greater employment and study flexibility
• No need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge

After one year on ILR, individuals can apply for British citizenship.

For assistance with the Global Talent Visa, contact Visa Solutions UK at info@visasolutions.uk.