Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is open to talented and promising applicants within the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and arts and culture (including film and television, fashion design and architecture) who wish to work in the UK.

‘Talent’ applicants will already be leaders in their respective field, while ‘promise’ applicants will be able to show the potential to become leaders in their field.

The Global Talent category is not subject to a cap on the number of applicants, 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.

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. You may want to speak to an immigration lawyer for expert advice.

Global Talent Endorsement Application

In order to apply for a Global Talent visa, most applicants will need to receive an endorsement from an appropriate endorsing body as evidence of their exceptional talent or promise. You can be endorsed in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, 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.

Global Talent Category English Language Requirement

Global Talent applicants applying to enter the category or extend their stay in the Global Talent route do not need to satisfy an English language requirement. However, Global Talent migrants must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language in order to qualify for settlement in the UK.

Global Talent ILR

If you continue to satisfy the requirements for an extension of stay set out above and demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the English language and life in the UK then you will be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain after spending a continuous period of 3 years in the UK 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 your initial application using a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

If you were last endorsed under the “exceptional promise” criteria for Arts Council England or Tech Nation you will need to spend a continuous period of 5 years in the UK before being eligible to apply for settlement.

The relevant continuous period can include time spent in the following immigration categories: Global Talent, Innovator, Tier 1 (excluding Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)), Skilled Worker, T2 Minister of Religion, T2 Sports person or Scale-up.

Need assistance?

J & S Law Firm are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. With over decades of experience, we always provide rock-solid support to our clients and help them achieve their goal efficiently and smoothly.

Global Talent Visa