Global Talent Visa

What is the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa, previously Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), is an exciting category of the Immigration Rules designed to enable those who are endorsed as a recognised or emerging leader in their field to come to the UK to work.

The Global Talent Visa is for leaders and emerging leaders in one of the following fields:

academia or research
arts and culture
digital technology

What are the main requirements for a Global Talent Visa?

To be eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa, applicants will need to satisfy the following the requirements:

they are aged 18 or over;
they have won an eligible prize or, alternatively, have obtained an endorsement from one of six approved endorsing bodies;
they do not fall for refusal under the Part 9: grounds for refusal; and
they have provided a TB certificate (if required).

Global Talent Visa endorsement applications

Individuals wishing to apply for a Global Talent Visa who have not won an eligible prize will firstly need to be endorsed by an approved endorsing body.

The Global Talent Visa endorsing bodies are:

Arts Council England – for the arts, culture, architecture, fashion, film and television
British Academy – for humanities and social sciences
Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering
Royal Society – for natural sciences and medical science research
Tech Nation– for digital technology
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – for science and research

The endorsing bodies consider applications from individuals in relation to their professional field and can make an endorsement based on the applicant’s ability to meet the sector-specific criteria.

Whilst each endorsing body has its own specific criteria, they are broadly based on the following criteria:

Exceptional Talent criteria: this assesses individuals who can show they have already made a significant contribution as a leader within their field, or
Exceptional Promise criteria: this assesses individuals who are the start of their careers who show promise in making contributions to their sector.

An endorsement from one of the six endorsing bodies must have been successfully obtained before the applicant can apply for a Global Talent Visa.

Length and conditions of stay in the UK

Applicants can apply for a visa to come to the UK, or for permission to stay if they are already in the UK and eligible to switch into the route. The initial grant of permission can be for a period of up to five years.

Under the current rules, applicants can apply to extend their stay in the UK indefinitely providing they continue to meet the requirements of the scheme.

During their stay in the UK, applicants can work for any employer, work as a director of a company or be self-employed. Applicants are able to change jobs without notifying the Home Office and can carry out voluntary work. They can also study.

Applicants cannot access public funds, work as a doctor or dentist in training, or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Indefinite Leave to Remain

The Global Talent route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain, also known as settlement. In order to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, an applicant must demonstrate that:

they have spent a continuous period of five years in the UK, but many applicants are eligible under the accelerated route and can apply after three years residence in the UK;
during this time have not breached any UK immigration laws;
they meet the requirements in relation to absences;
they have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed a Life in the UK test; and
during their last grant of permission to stay, they have earned money in a field which relates to their prize or endorsement.

Global Talent Visa applications: How our Immigration Solicitors can help

The Home Office will carefully scrutinise an application for a Global Talent Visa. If it considers that any of the requirements have not been met, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing visa applications that rely on talent and will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

For further advice, please contact us or complete the enquiry form below.

More Global Talent Visa FAQs

When can I apply for a Global Talent Visa?

Individuals applying for a Global Talent Visa must make their application within three months of the date their endorsement was received. The application can be made up to three months before the applicant intends to travel to the UK.

Can I apply to bring dependants to the UK on a Global Talent Visa?

Yes, Global Talent Visa holders can apply for their partner and children who are under the age of 18 to join or stay in the UK with them as their dependants. Do note, however, that dependants are not eligible for accelerated Indefinite Leave to Remain.

What are my options if my Global Talent Visa application is refused?

If your application under the Global Talent route is refused, we recommend seeking professional legal advice on your options going forwards.

Our immigration solicitors will be able to provide advice tailored to your individual circumstances and can advise on the possibility of applying for an endorsement review, making a fresh application, or challenging the refusal.