Those applying under the Global Talent route must normally receive an endorsement in their field of expertise. We provide an overview of the main endorsement options for academics and researchers.
Who can benefit from the Global Talent route?
The Global Talent route is for those who are exceptionally talented (world leading) or exceptionally promising (potentially world leading) in a number of fields, including academics and researchers in the areas of science, engineering, and humanities.
If granted permission under the Global Talent route, applicants can apply to extend their stay in the UK indefinitely, providing they continue to meet the requirements of the scheme. They can work for any employer, work as a director of a company, or be self-employed. Applicants are able to change jobs without making separate immigration applications and can study in the UK.
Most applicants can also progress to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settlement, under the accelerated route, allowing them to apply after three years residence in the UK rather than the usual five years, providing they meet the requirements. This accelerated route unfortunately does not apply to dependants.
This route is therefore one of the most flexible and desirable immigration options for moving to, and living in, the UK.
Endorsement for academics and researchers
Before being able to make an immigration application however, most applicants must first receive an endorsement from the relevant ‘endorsing body’, which includes the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering or the Royal Society, or, if applying under the endorsed funder route, an endorsement from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Applicants must normally operate under specific disciplines, or for any discipline if applying under the UKRI option, and those who have won a prestigious prize do not need to an endorsement application at all, and can progress straight to the immigration application.
We have outlined the main endorsement options for academics and researchers below:
Academic and research appointments
This applies to those who:
- have accepted a position at a UK higher education institution (HEI) or research institute; and
- have responsibility for academic, research, or innovation leadership and development; or
- direct or lead an individual or team:
- research project or research programme of work; or
- innovation project or innovation programme of work.
A HEI is an organisation that can award degrees, a list is available here. The list of possible research institutes is updated often and appropriate lists are available on The Royal Society, The British Academy, and the Royal Academy of Engineering pages.
The endorsing bodies have specific definitions of leadership and development, research projects, and innovation projects, which we will explore in depth in an upcoming article.
To apply under this option applicants must provide a job description of the position and a ‘statement of guarantee’ from the Director of Human Resources or equivalent at the appointing HEI or research institute. This needs to confirm certain aspects about the role and how it was advertised, which we will also explore in depth in our upcoming article.
Individual fellowships
This applies to those who hold a specified individual based fellowship.
Again the lists of applicable fellowships are updated often and are available on The Royal Society, The British Academy and the Royal Academy of Engineering pages.
The fellowship needs to have been granted in the previous five years and evidence of the fellowship award letter should be provided in support of the application.
Endorsed funders/UKRI
This applies to those who:
- have their name specified or their job title specified in a successful grant application;
- will be hosted or employed in a UK research organisation named on the UKRI published list;
- are essential to the execution of a grant or award;
- the funder is approved by UKRI;
- the grant/award is worth a minimum of £30,000; and
- the grant/award covers a minimum period of two years.
Applicants therefore need to ensure that the ‘endorsed funder’ is from the appropriate list available here and that they will be hosted or employed by one of the organisations listed here. The organisations that can host/employ applicants includes HEIs as well as NHS Trusts, Hospitals, Boards, and GP Practices, so this can be quite expansive.
Applicants must meet additional requirements, depending on their specific role and duties, which we will explore in an upcoming article.
To apply under this option applicants must provide the grant award letter as well as a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources, or an equivalent from an eligible research organisation. This needs to meet specified requirements, which we will also explore in our upcoming article.
Peer review
This option can be used by those who do not meet any of the above options. Under the peer review route, applicants can apply as exceptional promise applicants if they are at an early stage of their career, or otherwise apply as an exceptional talent applicant.
This option applies to those who:
- are active researchers – often in a university, a research institute, or industry;
- have a PhD or equivalent research experience;
- can provide a letter of personal recommendation from an eminent person resident in the UK supporting the application; and
- can provide a second letter containing an objective assessment of the applicant’s talent, if applying under exceptional talent. The author must be an additional eminent person who is a senior member of a reputable UK organisation concerned with research or innovation in the relevant field.
Applicants must provide a CV and a personal statement, as well as completing the relevant application form listing their various qualifications, experiences, and publications.
The endorsing body will consider the applicant’s track record, career history, and contributions to the field, and the expected benefits of their presence in the UK.
The peer review route can often be the most difficult option to pursue and applicants should consider the evidence they provide and the case they make carefully. We will provide further details about this option in an upcoming article.
Conclusion
The Global Talent route should be the first immigration option considered by academics and researchers due to its flexibility and the possibility of accelerated ILR.
The main requirement under this route is to obtain an endorsement. There are numerous ways to obtain this, depending on the applicant’s career history, employment, and track record. Each endorsement pathway should be reviewed to see which one is the most appropriate.
Global Talent visa: How our Immigration Solicitors can help
Our team specialise in Global Talent applications, and can provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process. To speak with a member of our team, please contact us, or complete the enquiry form below.
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