An Overview of the Global Talent Visa: What You Need to Know!

Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is a route for people to come to the UK based on their expertise in a particular field.

To be eligible to apply, a person must demonstrate they have exceptional talent or promise in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, digital technology, architecture, fashion design, film & television, or arts & culture.

The key distinction between exceptional talent or exceptional promise comes down to a person’s experience and whether they are an established or emerging leader in the field.

Applications can be considered as a two-stage process, split into the endorsement stage, and the visa application stage.

Stage 1 – Endorsement

This first stage requires a specified body to provide endorsement because they consider an applicant to have exceptional talent or promise in their field. These endorsing bodies are:

  • Arts Council England (including the British Fashion Council, the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television).
  • The British Academy
  • The Royal Academy of Engineering
  • The Royal Society
  • Tech Nation
  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Applicants must meet certain criteria and support their endorsement applications with specified documents. These change depending on whether you are applying for exceptional talent or promise endorsement, and differ for each endorsing body. Generally, applicants must provide proof that they have worked within the field for at least 5 years, and that their expertise is recognised.

A decision for endorsement can usually be expected within 8 weeks, but a fast-track option is available for some endorsing bodies, which can lead to decisions within 3 weeks.

Finally, applicants with specified prestigious awards are automatically considered with exceptional talent. This allows them to skip the endorsement stage and proceed directly to the visa application stage.

Stage 2 – Visa Application

Once a person has attained endorsement, they can submit their application to the Home Office for the Global Talent visa. This can be considered the simpler of the two stages, because the main requirement is already met by attaining endorsement. However, an applicant can still be refused if their character or conduct is deemed not suitable – for example, if they have criminal convictions.

Visa applications are generally decided within 3 weeks when applying to enter the UK, or 8 weeks when applying to extend or switch to the Global Talent route from inside the UK.

The total cost for applying is £716, but applicants are also liable for the Immigration Health Surcharge (currently £1035 per year of the visa applied for).

Period and Conditions of Leave, and Route to Settlement

If an applicant is successful, they can be granted a visa for up to 5 years. They can undertake work (including self-employment) and study if they wish. It is also possible to bring partners and children to the UK as dependants on this route.

Finally, people can apply for indefinite leave to remain (settlement) after 3 years under this route with exceptional talent, or 5 years with exceptional promise.

Conclusion

The Global Talent route is one of the few opportunities for people to relocate to the UK without having sponsorship from an employer in the UK. It is often considered underused, but it is a valuable visa route for applicable people to be able establish themselves and set up businesses in the UK. It is important to work with an experienced Global Talent visa solicitor to get the best chance of success.

If you would like to discuss an application for a Global Talent visa, please contact Latitude Law on 0300 131 6767.

Article and permission to publish here provided by Anna Sullivan, Trainee Solicitor at Latitude Law. Originally written for Supply Chain Game Changer and published on January 17, 2025.

Cover image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

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