What is the Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent visa has been designed to enable individuals of significant global standing in their respective field to live and work within the UK with minimal restrictions. It currently provides an immigration route for talented individuals in the fields of academia and research, arts and culture and digital technology.
The Global Talent visa was introduced in February 2020 as a replacement for the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent immigration route.
How do you Qualify for the Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent visa operates through an endorsement process, similar to the Innovator Founder visa. This means all applicants must first apply for endorsement from an endorsing body before applying for the visa itself. Your personal experience will determine which route within the Global Talent visa you’ll need to apply for, and subsequently which endorsing body will review your application.
Within each of these three routes there remains the option to apply either as an Exceptional Talent, or as an individual with Exceptional Promise for applicants at different stages of their careers. There are slightly different requirements for each option, with Exceptional Talent usually requiring an applicant to evidence more substantial experience and renown within their field.
Currently, there are three main categories within the Global Talent visa:
- Academia or Research: This route is for applicants aiming to work within academia or research within the fields of science, medicine, engineering or humanities. Fast-track endorsement is provided for applicants who can evidence either an eligible job offer, an individual fellowship, or the receipt of an eligible research grant. If an applicant cannot evidence any of these, they’re still able to apply via a peer reviewed process, but their application will take longer to be reviewed.
- Arts and Culture: This route is for applicants who are deemed as leaders or potential leaders in their chosen artistic field. These include combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, visual arts, fashion and architecture as well as film, television, animation, post production and visual effects. Your chosen field will determine which endorsing body your endorsement application is submitted to.
- Digital Technology: The Digital Technology route is for individuals who show leading or potential leading experience in either financial technology (fintech), gaming, cyber security or artificial intelligence. All endorsement applications within this category are reviewed by Tech Nation, though evidencing acceptance onto an eligible accelerator programme allows applicants access to a fast track application.
If an applicant is successful in receiving endorsement, they will be issued an endorsement letter. This endorsement letter will then be required to submit an application for the Global Talent visa and is one of the only requirements for a successful application alongside a relevant tuberculosis test (if required) and suitable payment of application and IHS fees.
What Documents Are Required for a Successful Global Talent Visa Endorsement?
Regardless of which category you choose, you will be required to evidence significant renown or promise within your chosen field through submitted documents. These documents will vary dependent on your application but will typically consist of:
- Your CV: this should outline your career as it relates to your specific field and must typically be no longer than 3 sides of A4 paper.
- Letters of Recommendation: for the majority of Global Talent endorsement applications (though not all) it is essential that you provide at least 1, but usually 3 letters of recommendation. The specific requirements of these letters will depend on your particular route, but will typically be provided by renowned experts within your field who have chosen to support your application.
- Up to 10 Additional Pieces of Evidence: Within most categories you will then be able to provide up to 10 additional pieces of evidence to support your application. These could consist of international awards, globally notable exhibitions, evidence of work on notable technology projects, globally notable media coverage/press releases, renowned artwork or projects you’ve either created or contributed towards and more.
Every Global Talent endorsement application will be reviewed on its own merits based on the evidence provided by the applicant. Specific additional evidence may be required for certain routes, such as evidencing membership of a national academy for an Exceptional Talent Academia or Research application.
Because of this, it is essential that applicants are aware of the specific criteria of their individual application, and that they are able to provide as many relevant supporting documents as possible. Due to the unique way in which endorsement applications are reviewed, we would strongly recommend seeking immigration advice if you are preparing to submit a Global Talent endorsement application.
How Long is a Global Talent Visa Granted for?
Successful Global Talent visas are granted for up to 5 years. Visa holders are also able to extend their visa for an additional 5 years as many times as they like, provided they can evidence continued endorsement from their endorsing body and that they have been earning money through their expert field whilst they’ve been living in the UK.
Are There Any Restrictions on a Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent visa is a challenging route due to the individually assessed nature of endorsement applications, but as a result successful applicants are afforded minimal restrictions within the UK on the visa.
Global Talent visa holders are able to work within the UK in any field, are able to be self-employed and are allowed to start their own business. The only exceptions to this are working as a doctor or dentist in training, or as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.
The Global Talent visa also does not have a minimum English Language requirement, or a minimum salary eligibility requirement.
Can You Include Family Members on a Global Talent Visa?
Yes, you are able to bring your partner and any children under the age of 18 to the UK with you on a Global Talent visa. They will be able to live, study and work within the UK for the duration of the main applicant’s visa.
How Much Does the Global Talent Visa Cost?
The cost of the Global Talent visa is split into the cost of endorsement and the cost of the application itself. The endorsement fee at the time of writing costs £524, whilst the visa application fee costs £192.
If you wish to bring family members with you, they must pay £716 each for their application. All applicants, both the main applicant and any dependents, must also individually pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when applying which is currently £1035 for every year granted by the visa.
Does a Global Talent Visa Lead to ILR?
Yes, the Global Talent visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Depending on the specific endorsement pathway applicants have chosen, they will be eligible to apply for ILR within either 3 or 5 years.
How Can We Help?
Global Talent applications can be some of the hardest to prepare for due to the large amount of documents required and the flexibility in terms of which documents are best for an endorsement application. White Rose Visas has experience reviewing supporting documents for all Global Talent visa categories, and work to ensure each individual application is as strong as possible before being reviewed by an endorsing body.
To find out more about our Global Talent visa support services, please contact our team directly, using the details below.
