As far as UK visas go, the Global Talent visa is one of the best. A much more flexible visa than a standard UK work visa, it offers a straightforward path to permanent settlement with the freedom to work in any type of role and the ability to sponsor family members.
Our expert Global Talent visa lawyers can help throughout your Global Talent visa application journey.
The Global Talent visa application process
The Global Talent visa is a two-stage process.
Stage 1: Endorsement
Applicants need an endorsement from one of six designated endorsing bodies, including Tech Nation and Arts Council England, unless they have won a specific prestigious prize in their field. The endorsement criteria differ from body to body, but generally applications will need to provide three letters of recommendation plus up to ten pieces of additional evidence to prove talent in the field.
The timeframe to receive a decision on an endorsement application is typically three to eight weeks.
The endorsement stage of the Global Talent visa application process is the hard part. If you're unsure as to whether you would be eligible for endorsement, or which endorsing body to apply with, our immigration law experts can help to review the criteria and your evidence.
Stage 2: Visa application
After you receive an endorsement, you have three months to make a follow-up visa application. You will be asked to provide evidence of your endorsement alongside any other supporting documents. Dependant family members can apply with you at this stage.
The timeframe to receive a decision from the Home Office varies but usually ranges from three to eight weeks, depending on whether you are applying from inside or outside the UK.
How we can help
Our experienced Global Talent visa lawyers specialise in guiding our clients through the endorsement application process. We carefully review your personal circumstances to find the best endorsement for you, providing dedicated support throughout every stage of your application.
Frequently asked questions
Which disciplines are considered for a Global Talent visa?
To be eligible for the Global Talent visa, you must show exceptional talent or exceptional promise in the fields of:
- arts and culture;
- digital technology;
- science;
- engineering;
- humanities; or
- medicine.
You can find guidance on the appropriate endorsing body for you here.
Do I need to be sponsored by an employer to get a Global Talent visa?
No, you don’t require a work sponsor. The only requirement is obtaining an endorsement from one of the designated endorsing bodies.
Do I have to do anything once I get to the UK?
To qualify for permanent residence (also known as settlement or indefinite leave to remain) you will need to prove that you have made earnings in the UK from the discipline you were endorsed in.
There is no specified sum you need to earn. So if you are endorsed for talent as an author, you will need to prove you have earned income through activities connected with being an author. If you are endorsed as a game developer, you will need to prove you have earned income in the UK through work in game development.
How much time do I have to spend in the UK?
To qualify for permanent residence you will need to ensure you are not absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any rolling 12-month period. If you cannot adhere to that, it’s not a problem, you can extend your visa when it’s nearing an end, provided your endorsement has not been withdrawn.
Our team has strong Global Talent visa experience, including recently securing endorsement from Arts Council England for an Iranian visual artist, and the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television for an American client producing an Emmy-nominated TV show.
We have also recently helped secure Tech Nation endorsement for multiple game developers, tech leaders, and a former investment banker specialising in FinTech.
If you are interested in the Global Talent visa and wish to find out more, please contact our immigration law team to arrange a fixed-fee consultation.
