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UK Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent visa is an unsponsored work route for professionals working in certain fields.

You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:

  • academia or research
  • arts and culture
  • digital technology

Global Talent Visa provides flexibility compared to the other UK work visas and it does not require sponsorship by a sponsor.

The Global Talent visa also offers fast-tracked settlement in the UK for eligible individuals. If you meet the criteria as a talented individual, you may be eligible for UK settlement after 3 years. If you are considered a promising talent, you may be eligible after 5 years. With settlement, you are on the path to naturalise as a British citizen.

UK Global Talent Visa Requirements

In order to qualify for a UK Global Talent visa, you will need to satisfy UK Visas and Immigration that:

  • You are aged 18 or over;
  • You have been issued with an endorsement letter by a Home Office-approved endorsing body or have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes; 
  • Your application does not fall under the general grounds for refusal;
  • You have provided a valid TB certificate if required.

 

UK Global Talent Endorsement Application

To apply for a UK Global Talent visa, most applicants need to receive an endorsement from an endorsing body as evidence of their exceptional talent or promise.  The applicants endorse in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences and humanities, digital technology, and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design, and architecture).

Each endorsing body has its own set of criteria for a Global Talent endorsement, but in each case, you will need a substantial body of work and support from experts in your field. 

To find out more about the requirements for endorsement for each field, please visit the following pages:

  • Global Talent Visa: Arts and Culture
  • Global Talent Visa: Film and Television
  • Global Talent Visa: Architecture
  • Global Talent Visa: Fashion
  • Global Talent Visa: Digital Technology
  • Global Talent Visa: Science, Engineering, Medicine, Social Sciences and Humanities

Once you have been endorsed, you will be able to apply for a Global Talent visa. 

Alternatively, if you have been awarded a qualifying Prestigious Prize, you will be able to skip the endorsement process and submit a single visa application without needing to obtain an endorsement from one of the Global Talent endorsing bodies.

Each body has its endorsement criteria and process, based in large on the following:

Exceptional Talent criteria: to assess individuals who can evidence they have already made a significant contribution as a leader to their field.

Exceptional Promise criteria: for applicants at an early stage in their careers who have shown the potential for being a future leader and making significant contributions in their field.

UK Global Talent Category English Language Requirement

Global Talent applicants applying to the Global Talent route do not need to satisfy an English language requirement.

UK Global Talent Route Maintenance Funds Requirement

Global Talent visa applicants do not need to satisfy a maintenance funds requirement.

How Long Is a UK Global Talent Visa Valid For?

Global Talent Visa applicants can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time.

Switching Into the UK Global Talent Route

You might be able to apply to change (‘switch’) to a Global Talent visa if you’re already in the UK on a different type of visa.

You cannot apply to switch to this visa if you’re currently in the UK in one of the following circumstances:

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

You must leave the UK and apply for a Global Talent visa from abroad if you’re in one of these categories.

UK Global Talent Visa Application Processing Times

Once you have been endorsed, then the visa procedure will start. If you intend to come to the UK as quickly as possible, then you may consider using the priority services at the visa application centers, if available.

Working in the UK on a Global Talent Visa

When you enter the UK in the Global Talent category, you will have a full right to work (including self-employment and voluntary work) but you will not be permitted to be employed as a professional sportsperson or coach.

You will also have a right to study in the UK, if you wish to, but you will not be permitted to access public funds.

Bringing Family Members to the UK on a Global Talent Visa

UK Global Talent visa holders can bring their Spouse, Civil Partner, or Unmarried Partner.  They can also bring their children, provided they are under the age of 18 when they make their first visa application to enter the category.

Download our Global Talent Guide for Tech Nation

Which Visa Type is Right for Me?

Navigating the myriad of UK visa options can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. Contact us to simplify your visa selection process.