Global Talent

The global talent visa was created to attract highly skilled and talented individuals in certain fields to contribute to the UK economy. First launched in 2019, it provides leaders and potential leaders in academia/research, arts/culture, and digital technology with a pathway to settlement after 3 or 5 years in the UK. Applicants will need to be endorsed by the appropriate body as part of the application process.

What you can do

Live and work in the UK for up to 5 years
Bring your dependants
Extend your visa
Switch to different visa
Settle in the UK

What you can't do

Receive public funds
Work as a professional sportsperson

Stage 1: Endorsement

Exceptional Talent

Applicants under the exceptional talent category must demonstrate they are a leader in their field. This normally involves making a significant contribution to their chosen field.

Exceptional Promise

Applicants under the exceptional promise category must demonstrate they have the potential to become a leader in their field. This normally involves early-stage work which has the potential to lead to significant contributions in their chosen field.

Prestigious Prize

Applicants who have been awarded a prestigious prize recognised by UKVI will not need to apply for an endorsement. They can instead apply directly for a global talent visa.

Endorsement

All other applicants must apply to either the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, Tech Nation, or the Arts Council England for an endorsement. Each endorsing body has its own criteria and application process, but they all seek to identify individuals who have exceptional talent or promise in their field.

Endorsement Routes

There are four routes available for endorsement:

Peer Review

Peer review is a process which involves an examination of an applicant's career history, recommendation letters, and potential for contribution to UK research excellence. It is done by the Royal Society (for science and medicine), the British Academy (for humanities and social science), and the Royal Academy of Engineering (for engineering and technology). Applicants will need to either work in an approved research discipline, be an active researcher, or have a PhD or equivalent research experience.

(Examples for researchers or academic leaders)

Senior Appointments

This route is for applicants who have a job offer as a professor, associate professor, reader, senior group leader or equivalent at any UK higher education institute or eligible research institute.

Fellowships

This route is for applicants who have an individual fellowship (currently held or held within the last 12 months) which is on the approved list by the British Academy, the Royal Society, or the Royal Academy of Engineering.

UK Research and Innovation Endorsement

This route is for applicants who are working on a research grant or award from a funder approved by UK Research and Innovation. The grant must have been awarded by an approved organisation.

Endorsement Fee

The fee for stage 1 applications is £524.

Other routes

If you fall within the arts and culture, architecture, fashion design, film and television, digital technology or fast track endorsement, the endorsement routes and requirements will differ.

Stage 2: Global Talent Visa

If your stage 1 application for endorsement is approved, the endorsing body will notify UKVI that you meet its criteria for either exceptional talent or exceptional promise. Subsequently, UKVI will advise you that you can proceed with stage 2 - the application for your global talent visa.

If your stage 1 application for endorsement is refused, and you believe the incorrect decision has been made, you can ask the endorsing body to conduct a review without charge. You must request a review within 28 days of receiving the decision. If the decision is reversed, you can proceed to the stage 2 application. If the refusal is maintained, you will need to make a new stage 1 application - unless the second refusal contains new reasons for refusal.

Valid Passport

Immigration Health Surcharge

Date of application

You must have a valid passport to apply.

You must pay the IHS of £1,035 per year.

If you are making the stage 2 application after the stage 1 application, you must do so within 3 months of receiving the endorsement letter. If you make the stage 2 application first (for example, due to already being in the UK on another visa which is ending soon), you must submit your stage 1 application within 14 days of making your stage 2 application.

Length of Entry Clearance

As part of the the application form, you can choose the length of your visa. Applicants can select 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. Note: the application fee will not be affected by the length of the visa, but the corresponding IHS must be paid (e.g., £2,070 for a 2 year visa).

Application Fee

The application fee is currently £192.

Application Granted

If your stage 2 application for a global talent visa is successful, UKVI will notify you by email. For applicants outside the UK, you will receive a visa vignette in your passport permitting you to enter the UK. You can then pick up your Biometric Residence Permit which confirms your visa type and length.

Application Refused

If your stage 2 application for a global talent visa is refused, UKVI will outline the reasons in a refusal letter. Applicants may consider applying for an administrative review if they believe the incorrect decision has been made based on a casework error.