Global Talent Visa UK

What does the Global Talent Visa offer?

The Global Talent visa allows you to work in the UK on a flexible basis with fewer restrictions and costs than other immigration categories. In addition, the Global Talent visa comes with considerable advantages for you as an individual and any close family members* wishing to establish a long-term connection to the UK. This includes a fast-track to settlement after three years for the main visa holder. You can also undertake research overseas without it counting towards the maximum time allowed for absences if you choose to apply for settlement.

What are the documents required for a Global Talent Visa?

The documents you have to submit when applying for a Global Talent Visa will depend on your field of qualification.

• For researchers or academic leaders: A letter from the head of HR of the organisation where you will work. The letter must:
• Include your name, position, and department
• State that got the position after applying via an open competition, which was advertised.
• State that you were interviewed by 4 senior academics from the organisation where you will work.
• State that you handed in at least three references.
• For work on a research grant: A written confirmation from the funder, stating that the fund was at least £30,000 and it will last at least 2 years.
• For peer-reviewed endorsements: A letter from someone of eminence in your field with “internationally recognised expertise”. The letter must state:
• How that person knows you
• That they believe you have exceptional talent or promise
• That you would contribute to the UK and benefit from being in the UK
• For leaders in arts and culture:
• Your CV
• Three recommendation letters, which states how the writer knows you, list your achievements and details why you would benefit from this program as well as what you can bring to the UK.
• Up to ten pieces of evidence that attest to your achievements, such as international media recognition, international awards, international appearances, or exhibitions.
• For leaders in digital technology:
• Three letters of recommendation from organisations which is established in digital technology. Each of the letters must state how the person knows you, including proof of their position, showcase your achievements in digital technology, as well as state how the writer believes you are a leader or potential leader.
• Evidence of any digital technology business which you have set up or in which you have been a senior member in the last 5 years.
• Up to ten pieces of evidence that support your qualifications and eligibility.

When you apply you’ll need to provide:

• a valid passport or another document that shows your identity and nationality
• your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test

If you’ve had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year, you’ll also need to write permission to apply from the agency or government that granted it.

If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:

• from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland
• from the EU, EEA or Switzerland but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it

If you’ve won an eligible award, the Home Office will look at publicly available information (such as the award organisation’s website) to confirm that you’ve won.

As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity. You’ll either:

1. have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre - this is to get a biometric residence permit
2. use the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app to scan your identity document (you’ll also create or sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account)

What is the application process for a Global Talent Visa?

The application process for a Global Visa for the UK is divided into two parts:

1. Applying for endorsement from an organization that is recognized as an expert in your chosen field.
2. Applying for the Global Talent Visa.

How to apply for an endorsement?

You have to get an endorsement to attest to the fact that you actually are a leader or potential leader in your field. To submit your application, you must visit the Visas and Immigration website of the UK Home Office and register using your email address. You must submit the required documents (see below) and pay the endorsement fee. If you do not have all the documents, you can close the application and restart where you left off later. Then, depending on which field you will work in, the UK Home Office will forward your endorsement application to one of these so-called “endorsements bodies” for review. The endorsement application can take from one to eight weeks to process, depending on which organization is reviewing your application.

How to apply for a Global Talent Visa?

Once you receive your endorsement, you have to apply for a UK Visa by submitting the endorsement letter and any requested supporting documents. Once you have successfully received an endorsement, you will get an email from the Home Office with an attached copy of the endorsement letter, following which you can proceed with your Visa Application. You must apply no earlier than three months before you intend to depart for the UK. You and all your dependent family members can apply at the same time You will usually receive your visa within three weeks

Can you work on a Global Talent Visa?

Global Talent Visa Holders have the freedom to work in almost any sector. Global Talent visa holders can live and work in the UK with few restrictions:

• You can work as an employee for any employer, be self-employed and run your own business.
• You can work in almost any area. However, for an extension or indefinite leave to remain, you will need to show that you have worked in your specialist area at least some of the time.
• You cannot work as a Doctor or Dentist in Training or as a professional sportsperson/sports coach.

How long can you stay on a Global Talent Visa?

The length of stay for this visa depends on whether the applicant is already in the UK. Those applying from outside of the UK can stay for 5 years and 4 months. Those switching to this visa from inside the UK can stay for up to 5 years. Those who have been granted a Global Talent exceptional talent visa or any type of endorsement in science, or UKRI endorsement can usually apply based on three years stay in the UK. Applications can be made twenty-eight days before the end of the three years. For those on a Global Talent exceptional promise visa in arts, culture and digital technology, you have to wait five years (minus twenty-eight days) before you can apply for indefinite leave to remain.

• 3 years with an exceptional talent visa
• 3 years with an exceptional talent endorsement in science
• 3 years with an endorsement under the UKRI endorsed funder scheme
• 5 years with an exceptional promise endorsement in either arts and culture or digital technology

Time spent in the UK as a tier 2 general visa holder or on a Tier 1 entrepreneur visa should count towards the period required for indefinite leave to remain.

Can you extend your Global Talent Visa?

You can apply to extend your visa for up to 5 years at a time. You can renew your visa as many times as you like, as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements. Global Talent visa holders can apply for an extension if:

1. the organisation that endorsed you hasn’t withdrawn its approval
2. You have made fortunes in your field of expertise during your last period of leave in the UK. Please note that you will have to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

It costs £608 to apply to extend a Global Talent visa from inside or outside the UK. Your partner and children must pay the visa fee of £608 if they want to apply to travel with you or join you later in the UK.

What is the processing time for a Global Talent Visa?

The processing time to apply for a Global Talent Visa is 4 weeks to 8 weeks. The first stage of the process, including endorsement, takes between 2 weeks to 4 weeks. This stage is referred to as the 'Endorsement Application'. If your endorsement application has been accepted, the second stage of the application begins. Following this, you may apply for a visa on GOV.UK. Immigration aspects and grounds for refusal are considered in this stage.

What are the benefits of the Global Talent Visa?

• You do not have to take the IELTS exam to apply for a Global Talent Visa.
• You can seek permanent residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after staying in the country for 3 years.
• If your dependents meet certain requirements, you can move along with them.
• You can change organizations, jobs, and places without a second thought.
• There is no minimum salary requirement to get this visa.
• You can collaborate with companies and work on their projects.
• You can seek a permanent residency after staying in the country for 3 years.

How much does a Global Talent Visa cost?

It costs £608 to apply. If you’re applying based on an endorsement, you’ll pay the £608 in two parts:

• £456 when you apply for the endorsement
• £152 when you apply for the visa itself

If you’re including your partner or children in your application, they’ll each need to pay £608. You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application - this is usually £624 per year for each person applying.

What should you do if your Global Talent Visa is refused?

If your endorsement is refused, you may be able to apply for an Endorsement Review to the relevant endorsement body. You can get in touch with us and schedule a call back if you need help with your visa reapplication. Our team will take the time to carefully examine the reasons your endorsement application was refused and advise you on the best action to take