The Global Talent route is for people aged 18 or over in the field of science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology or arts and culture who can show they have exceptional talent or exceptional promise.
We assist clients applying within the following fields:
- digital technology
- film and television
- academia and research
- science
- engineering
- medicine
- humanities
- architecture
- arts
- fashion design
Applicants for Global Talent visa will already be leaders in their respective field. Applicants submitting Exceptional Promise applications will have the potential to become leaders in their field.
The Global Talent visa does not require a job offer and can lead to settlement in the UK.
A dependent partner and dependent children under 18 can apply under this route.
For most our clients, there is a two-part application process:
- Application for endorsement; we assist you choosing the appropriate endorsing body and with the preparation of your application for endorsement;
- Application for entry clearance or permission to stay.
Alternatively, if you have been awarded a prestigious prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes issued by the Home Office, you will not be required to apply for an endorsement.
Global Talent Visa Requirements
In order to qualify for a 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.
The exact requirements you will need to satisfy may vary depending on your circumstances. We will assess your circumstances and advise you how to meet the requirements under the Immigration Rules.
Global Talent Endorsement Application
If you are required to obtain an endorsement, we will assist with the application to the appropriate endorsing body.
Each endorsing body has its own set of criteria for a Global Talent endorsement, and we can assist with the preparation of the application for endorsement, and the subsequent communication with the particular endorsing body. To support an application for endorsement, the endorsing body will expect a portfolio of work, recommendations and other evidence from experts in your field.
Once you have been endorsed, you will be able to apply for a Global Talent visa.
If you have been awarded a qualifying Prestigious Prize, you will be able to make a single visa application without needing to obtain an endorsement from one of the Global Talent endorsing bodies.
Global Talent Prestigious Prizes Route
If you have won a qualifying prestigious award, you may be able to skip the endorsement process and proceed directly to making your visa application.,
The Home Office sets out the list of prestigious prizes in their Immigration Rules. This list is being reviewed and updated in line with the general circumstances.
The list does not include prestigious prizes or awards for a specific work or prizes given to an organization of which you may be a part. The prize, which must be open to all nationalities, must be awarded directly to you, the applicant, and it must be determined by experts or peers, not by the public.
English Language Requirement
Global Talent applicants are not required to meet any specific English Language requirement. English Language requirement will be relevant when you are applying for settlement as a holder of Global Talent visa.
Duration of Global Talent Visa
Global Talent visa will be granted in line with the time requested within the application for visa. The applicant will submit a request for a number of whole years. The maximum number of years it is possible to request in a single application is five.
It is possible to extend time in the UK if you think you need more time, or if you are not ready to apply for settlement. There is no maximum number of years that you are able to remain in the UK in the Global Talent visa category.
To qualify for an extension of stay on the Global Talent route, the Home Office will expect to see:
- Earnings in the UK during the last grant of leave. The earnings will need to have come from the work as set out in the endorsement, or linked to the prize (if the initial application was granted on grounds of the Prestigious Prize category), which lead to the initial grant of leave to enter or remain on the Global Talent route.
- Endorsement which was granted with the initial leave to remain. The endorsement must not have been withdrawn at any point during the duration of the Global Talent visa, and it must continue for the duration of the extended leave to remain.
- Continuous good character and immigration history.
Settlement / Indefinite Leave to Remain
Continuous Residence
You will be expected to have spent not more than 180 days outside the UK during any rolling 12 months during the continuous period of leave relied upon. However, Global Talent visa holders endorsed by one of the endorsing bodies for science, engineering, humanities and medicine and who have undertaken research overseas directly related to their grant of leave, will not have such absences counted when they apply for settlement.
Settlement after a continuous period of 3 years in the UK is possible if:
- you were endorsed by the Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or UKRI; or
- you were endorsed under the exceptional talent criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation; or
- you were granted their initial application using a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.
Settlement after a continuous period of 5 years in the UK is possible if you were endorsed under the exceptional promise criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation.
Unlike many other work-related immigration categories, it is possible to combine the following routes to achieve qualifying continuous residence for the purpose of the application for settlement:
- Global Talent; or
- Innovator Founder; or
- Skilled Worker; or
- T2 Minister of Religion; or
- International Sportsperson; or
- Tier 1 Migrant, other than Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur); or
- Scale-up; or
- Representative of an Overseas Business.
English Language and Knowledge of Life in the UK
Unless an exemption applies, the applicants must show English language ability on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages in speaking and listening to at least level B1.
We will advise you about the particular requirements relating to the English language requirement as specified in Appendix English Language of the Immigration Rules, and we will make sure you provide the correct evidence.
Applicants must also meet the Knowledge of Life in the UK requirement as set out in Appendix KOL UK of the Immigration Rules. We will advise you how to book, prepare and pass the test.
FAQ:
Can I switch into the Global Talent route ?
It is possible to switch into the Global Talent route once you are in the UK, provided your current leave to stay is not in one of the following categories:
- Visitor
- Short-term Student,
- Parent of a Child Student;
- Seasonal Worker;
- Domestic worker in a private household or
- Outside the Immigration Rules.
If you hold leave in any of the above categories then you will be required to leave the UK and submit your application for a Global Talent visa from your home country.
When should I apply for a Global Talent Visa?
You can only apply when you are in possession of the required endorsement by one of the endorsement bodies that is relevant to your field. The Global Talent visa application must be made within three months of the date of the endorsement.
We can help you to prepare a plan for the application in line with your intended date of arrival in the UK.
How long does it take to receive a decision?
The decision times vary according to the number of applications the Home Office receives, but generally, the processing of the Global Talent application may take around four weeks.
It is possible to apply using priority services, under which the Home Office can process the application within one week.
In some cases, and only at some application centres, it is possible to apply using super-priority service with turnaround of 24 hours.
You will not be able to travel to the UK whilst the application is under consideration.
Can I work or study whilst in possession of Global Talent visa?
You will have right to work including self-employment and voluntary work. You will not be permitted to work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
There is a requirement to receive income from work relating to the endorsement given in support of the visa application.
You will also have a right to study in the UK.
Can I bring family members?
You can bring your Spouse, Civil Partner or Unmarried Partner and children under the age of 18.
How can we help:
Our immigration team has experience in assisting talented clients in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture wishing to work in the UK. We will guide you through the Home Office rules and policies, and we will ensure that you provide evidence which is expected to support your application.
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