Global talent visa

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa is a UK immigration category designed to attract highly skilled individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine, humanities, digital technology and the arts. It offers accelerated visa processing, with no requirement for a job offer, and the opportunity for eventual settlement in the UK.

About UK Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Visa UK is a great opportunity for exceptionally talented and promising professionals to relocate to the UK. It is designed to attract the best and brightest of international talent to work, study, and conduct research in the country. Applicants must demonstrate a high level of qualification, either in the form of a professional qualification or a track record of exceptional achievement in their field. Successful applicants will receive a streamlined visa process and access to world-class education and research opportunities.

The visa is valid for up to five years, allowing applicants to establish long-term roots in the country. It is the perfect solution for people looking to advance their career to the next level within the UK.

Key criteria

Description

How to prove eligibility

Purpose

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

–

Evidence of talent

Proven achievements in technology, arts or science
Degree in the relevant field (if not, it must be compensated by qualifications in this field, for example courses, trainings, etc.)
Confirmations required:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in this field
- Public activity (publications, exhibitions, community recognition, awards, etc.)
- Academic activity
- Entrepreneurial activity (only for the technology sector)

For consideration , documents confirming experience and achievements are required , including, but not limited to:

CV
Portfolio
Certificates of completion of courses / trainings
Reference letters
Links to publications (publications, awards, etc.)
And other documents confirming talent and achievements

Personal savings

You have enough personal savings to live in the UK

Bank statement showing that the applicant has had at least £1,270 in the account for 28 consecutive days before applying, and an additional £ 285 for a partner, £ 315 for the first child and £ 200 for each additional child

Eligibility requirements for the Global Talent visa

Understanding the disparity between obtaining an endorsement and securing approval for your Special Talent visa application in the UK is crucial. Endorsement represents merely the initial phase of a more extensive process.

Each endorsing body maintains distinct criteria for candidate approval. Conversely, the visa criteria remain uniform across all fields and endorsing bodies. Apart from endorsement, applicants must be at least 18 years old. The sole exception permitting application without endorsement pertains to instances where the applicant has won a significant award in their field.

The eligibility requirements for each field of the talent work visa are different. In this section, we will list the short versions of the criteria published by the corresponding bodies that we have already listed above. Both the criteria and the evidence you will need to provide are individual, and it is always better to look up all the details on the website of the corresponding body.

Arts Council England

Applicants must demonstrate their contribution to the creation of distinguished artworks. This entails proving professional involvement in relevant work over the past five years, along with substantial international experience. Additionally, candidates must furnish at least three recommendation letters and provide evidence of their work being recognized as exceptional by the Arts Council.

Tech Nation

To secure an endorsement from Tech Nation, individuals must exhibit their involvement in developing technical products. This necessitates presenting substantial evidence of professional engagement in product development and commercial investment in the sector. Similar to Arts Council, Tech Nation requires three recommendation letters as part of the application.

Other bodies

For fields such as engineering, science, research, and medicine, the criteria are largely analogous. Applicants must demonstrate active and exceptional participation in their respective fields. Specific profession-specific criteria may apply, necessitating thorough verification with the relevant body before submission.

What you Can Do with this visa

Running one or more businesses, working in them as a director, working as a sole trader, or employment outside your own business (all types of activities are limited to the area for which the visa was obtained – technological / engineering, scientific, or art)
Obtaining a visa for a partner (husband / wife or unregistered partner if they have lived together for at least 2 years before applying) and children , if they are eligible; the partner receives unlimited employment rights
Unlimited travel abroad and return to the UK
Apply for an Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK ( ILR) if you have lived in the UK for 3-5 years and meet the other requirements (see to the right).

What you Can not Do with this visa

Receive most benefits from government funds , or a state pension (as an individual only; your business may receive grants or other forms of support from the government )

What is the typical Processing time for this visa?

The endorsement process for the UK Global Talent Visa can take up to 6 weeks. Once you have received your endorsement, you can then apply for the visa itself. The processing time for the visa application is up to 3 weeks if you’re applying from outside the UK, and up to 8 weeks if you’re applying from within the UK. It’s important to note that these time frames are approximate and can vary depending on factors such as application volumes and individual circumstances.

What is the duration of a Global Talent visa?

A Global Talent visa is typically granted for a period ranging from three to five years.

After obtaining a UK Global Talent Visa, you can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years if recognized as a leader or potential leader in your field. For ILR, you need to maintain continuous UK residence without spending more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12 months, pass the Life in the UK test, and meet English language requirements.

Once you’ve held ILR for 12 months, you can apply for British citizenship. You must have lived in the UK for at least 5 years, with no more than 450 days abroad during this period and no more than 90 days abroad in the last year. Citizenship also requires good character, including adherence to UK laws and tax obligations. After approval, a citizenship ceremony is the final step.

Global Talent Visa advantages

Dependent Benefits

Global Talent Visa holders can bring their family members as dependents, providing them with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the UK.

Fast-Track to Settlement

Successful Global Talent Visa holders can qualify for accelerated settlement in the UK. After spending a specified continuous period on the visa, individuals become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), granting permanent residency.

Freedom to Travel

Global Talent Visa holders enjoy the freedom to travel in and out of the UK without restrictions, allowing them to maintain international connections and participate in global professional activities.

No Job Offer Requirement

Unlike many other visa categories, the Global Talent Visa does not require individuals to have a job offer in the UK before applying. This flexibility allows for greater autonomy in career decisions.

Free healthcare

Visa holders have access to healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS), providing a safety net for their well-being during their stay in the UK.

Continuous Learning

The visa encourages and supports continuous learning and professional development, fostering an environment where individuals can enhance their skills and contribute to the advancement of their field

Exceptional Promise and Talent

Two subcategories of Global Talent Visa

Exceptional Promise

This category is for individuals who are established as leaders in their respective fields. To qualify under this category, applicants must have a proven track record of significant achievements. They are typically acknowledged by their peers as leaders in areas such as science, humanities, engineering, medicine, digital technology, or arts and culture. The endorsements for this category often require demonstrable evidence of outstanding achievements, such as awards, significant contributions to their field, and recognition from professional bodies or other relevant organizations.Successful candidates can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years.

Exceptional Talent

The Exceptional Promise category is intended for individuals who are considered to have the potential to become leaders in their fields. This is generally aimed at early-career professionals or those who are on an upward trajectory in their sector but might not yet have established a significant track record. Applicants in this category must demonstrate potential for future success, with indicators such as endorsements from recognized experts, early-career awards, or substantial contributions to their field that show promise of future development. Exceptional Promise can apply for ILR after 5 years.

Who can apply for Global talent visa?

Tech Applicants

Technical applicants are experts in their fields, possessing exceptional technical skills that set them apart as leaders and innovators. This expertise can be in areas such as software development, engineering, data science, cybersecurity, and other technical disciplines.

Business applicants

Business applicants for the Global Talent Visa in the UK are individuals who have demonstrated exceptional abilities and achievements in the business and entrepreneurial realms. These applicants stand out for their leadership, innovation, and significant contributions to the business landscape.

Criteria for obtaining the Residence

You must have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3-5 years (depending on type of your visa and eligibility) on a talent visa ; the application must be submitted before the visa expires

Passing a simple test “Living in the UK”

Stay no more than 180 days outside the country in any 12 months (there may be exceptions if the stay abroad was related to work related to the purpose of obtaining a visa 2 )

Bank statement showing income from the area for which the visa was requested (which can include income from employment, individual entrepreneurship, or your own business), along with relevant supporting documents

Check Your case

If you’ve already gathered your documents but seek expert review, this service is tailored for you. Get assistance reviewing your case with Relofy legal parners.

Review of an expert

Get a customized checklist detailing all necessary documents and evidence, guaranteeing nothing gets missed.

Document Checklist

Our specialists will assist you in addressing any mistakes or discrepancies in your case, reducing the chances of rejection or delays.

Individual feedback

Our experts will assist you in correcting any errors or inconsistencies in your case, thereby reducing the likelihood of rejection or delays.

FAQ

The information provided in this FAQ section is for general guidance purposes only. Each individual’s circumstances may vary, and it is recommended to seek personalized advice from our legal partners for accurate and up-to-date information specific to your situation.

What is a Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is a prestigious immigration route offered by the United Kingdom to attract highly skilled individuals from around the world. It allows talented professionals in fields such as science, engineering, digital technology, arts, and humanities to live and work in the UK and contribute to its vibrant industries.

Who is eligible for the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is open to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated significant achievements and recognized expertise in their respective fields. It is designed for highly skilled professionals, researchers, and leaders who can contribute to the UK's economy, academic institutions, or arts and culture sectors.

What are the endorsement criteria for the Global Talent Visa?

To qualify for a Global Talent Visa, you must secure an endorsement from a designated endorsing body in your field. The endorsing body will assess your achievements, skills, and contributions to determine your exceptional talent or promise. Each endorsing body has its own specific criteria, and our team of legal partners will guide you through the endorsement process.

How can Relofy assist with the Global Talent Visa application?

At Relofy, we provide comprehensive support throughout the Global Talent Visa application process. Our legal partners will assess your eligibility, guide you in preparing a strong application, assist in securing the necessary endorsements, and ensure all required documentation is complete and accurate. We offer personalized advice, handle administrative tasks, and provide ongoing support to increase your chances of a successful visa outcome.

How long does it take to process a Global Talent Visa application?

The processing time for a Global Talent Visa application can vary. On average, the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) aims to process applications within three weeks. However, this timeframe can fluctuate depending on various factors, including the complexity of the application and the workload of the immigration authorities. Our team of legal partners will keep you informed about the expected processing time and any updates regarding your application.

Can I include dependents in my Global Talent Visa application?

Yes, you can include your dependents, such as your spouse or partner and children under the age of 18, in your Global Talent Visa application. They will be eligible for dependent visas, allowing them to live, work, and study in the UK during the duration of your visa. Our legal partners can provide guidance on the requirements and documentation needed for dependent visa applications.

Can I switch to a Global Talent Visa from another visa category while I am in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to switch to a Global Talent Visa from certain other visa categories while you are in the UK. However, eligibility requirements and specific criteria must be met for a successful switch. Our team of legal partners will assess your individual circumstances and guide you through the process of switching to a Global Talent Visa if applicable.

What happens if my Global Talent Visa application is refused?

If your Global Talent Visa application is refused, you may have the option to challenge the decision through an administrative review or, in some cases, an appeal. Our legal partners will evaluate the refusal grounds, advise you on the best course of action, and provide guidance and support throughout the review or appeal process.

Can I apply for a Global Talent Visa if I am already in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Global Talent Visa if you are already in the UK under a different visa category. However, there are specific requirements and procedures for switching to a Global Talent Visa. Our legal partners will assess your eligibility, guide you through the process, and ensure a smooth transition to the Global Talent Visa.

Can I include periods spent outside the UK in my qualifying continuous residency?

Yes, in certain circumstances, you may include periods spent outside the UK in your qualifying continuous residency for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) purposes. There are specific rules and limitations regarding the time you can spend outside the UK while maintaining continuous residency. Our legal partners will provide detailed guidance based on your individual circumstances.

Can I apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) directly through the Global Talent Visa?

Yes, it is possible to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) directly through the Global Talent Visa. If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible to apply for settlement after five years of continuous residency in the UK. Our legal partners will assess your eligibility and guide you through the settlement application process.

Can I extend my Global Talent Visa?

Yes, you can extend your Global Talent Visa if you wish to continue living and working in the UK beyond the initial visa duration. The extension process requires meeting certain criteria, including demonstrating ongoing exceptional talent or promise in your field. Our legal partners will assist you in preparing a strong extension application and provide guidance throughout the process.

Can Relofy assist with other relocation-related matters?

Yes, in addition to Global Talent Visa support, Relofy offers a range of immigration services tailored to individual needs. Our legal partners can assist with various immigration matters, including other visa applications, settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain), citizenship, and more. Contact us for personalized advice and guidance on your specific immigration requirements.

get in touch

Want to reach out to us directly?

Disclaimer: We do not offer legal or immigration guidance. Our area of expertise lies in tech and business applications for non-governmental organizations. Should you need immigration advice, we can direct you to our OISC-regulated partners.