Global Talent Visa

What is Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa provides opportunities for leaders (referred to as ‘exceptional talent’) or potential leaders (referred to as ‘exceptional promise’) in specific fields to work in the UK. If you belong to one of the following categories – Academic or Research, Arts and Culture, or Digital Technology – you can apply for this visa.

To become eligible for the Global Talent Visa, you typically need to secure an endorsement to demonstrate that you are a leader or potential leader in your respective field. However, an alternative route is available if you have won an eligible award, enabling you to apply for the visa without the endorsement. Once granted, this visa allows you to reside and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time.

Key Points

• a pathway for leaders or potential leaders in specific industries to work in the UK
• can be granted for a period of up to 5 years.
• the application process comprises two stages – the Stage 1 endorsement application and the Stage 2 visa application.
• eligible award winners may benefit from expedited processing.
• no language or minimum salary eligibility requirements
• possible to extend your Global Talent Visa or switch from another visa type.
• can bring family .

What is the procedure of Stage 1 Endorsement Application?

If you work in one of the following fields, you can initiate the endorsement application process through one of the authorised endorsing bodies.

Academic or research

With a Global Talent visa, you can pursue a career in academic or research-related roles within the UK. To qualify for this category, you should meet one of the following criteria:

• hold an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher from a UK-based institution.
• receive an individual fellowship from one of the accredited institutes or organizations.
• secure a research grant approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
• hold an eligible award in your field of expertise.

If none of these criteria apply to your situation, an alternative route is available. You can submit your application for peer review to one of the following institutions, depending on your area of expertise:

• Royal Society, for science and medicine
• British Academy, for humanities and social science
• Royal Academy of Engineering, for engineering and technology

It’s worth noting that opting for the peer review process may result in a longer processing time for your application.

Please bear in mind that specific requirements and the application process for the Global Talent Visa may change. Therefore, it is advisable to refer to the official UK government website or contact us to consult a qualified immigration advisor for the most current information.

Arts and culture

The Global Talent Visa is also a gateway for leaders and potential leaders in artistic and cultural fields to work in the UK. This category includes:

• combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts
• architecture
• fashion design
• film and television, including animation, post production and visual effects

For those in the fields of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, or visual arts, Arts Council England is responsible for evaluating the applications. To qualify for this sub-category, applicants must produce work that is published or performed internationally and is deemed ‘outstanding’ by Arts Council England. The required documents for this sub-category include:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• up to 10 pieces of evidence demonstrating your exceptional talent or promise – each limited to 2 sides of A4 paper, dated within the last 5 years. These should be categorized into media recognition, international awards, and proof of appearances, publications, exhibitions or distribution of your work
• a copy of your CV detailing your career and any publication history, if applicable

For architecture, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) assesses applications on behalf of Arts Council England. To qualify for this sub-category, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• demonstrated regular work experience in architecture for the last five years.
• internationally published work assessed by RIBA as ‘outstanding.’
• if applying as a leader, evidence that your work is well-known in at least two countries.

The required document for this sub-category are as follows:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• up to 10 pieces of evidence showcasing your exceptional talent or promise, with each piece limited to 2 sides of A4 paper, all dated within the last 5 years.

For the fashion design sub-category, the British Fashion Council evaluates applications on behalf of Arts Council England. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria, depending on whether you are applying as a leader or a potential leader:

• leaders must produce work sold or exhibited internationally on catwalk exhibitions, judged ‘outstanding’ by the British Fashion Council, and recognized in at least two countries.
• potential leaders must produce work that is sold or exhibited internationally and is recognized by leading figures in the fashion industry.

The required document for this sub-category are as follows:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• up to 10 pieces of evidence showing your exceptional talent or promise – each limited to 2 sides of A4 paper, all dated within the last 5 years

For the sub-category of film, television, animation, post-production, or visual effects, the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) assesses application on behalf of Arts Council England. However, PACT ONLY evaluates applications from individuals considered leaders in their field, referred to as ‘exceptional talent.’ The required documents for this sub-category are as follows:

• 3 letters of recommendation
• up to 10 pieces of evidence showing your exceptional talent – each must be 2 sides of A4 paper or less

Please be aware that Arts Council England and its associated organizations have specific rules and criteria for the required documents. Meeting these criteria and providing the necessary evidence are crucial for a successful application for the Global Talent visa under Arts and Culture category.

For any further information or inquiries about the application process or specific requirements, you can refer to the official UK government website or contact us to consult with a qualified immigration advisor for the most up-to-date information.

Digital Technology

With a Global Talent Visa, you can embark on a career in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in the digital technology field. This category includes areas such as financial technology (fintech), gaming, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.

To be eligible for this category, applicants can have either a technical background, such as being a developer, engineer, or data scientist; or a business background, which may involve commercial, investment, or digital product expertise in a technology company that creates software, hardware, or processes data.

Tech Nation is responsible for evaluating and endorsing applications for the digital technology category. Applicants can typically expect a decision within 5 to 8 weeks. However, it’s essential to be aware that the digital technology category has a notably high rejection rate.

For any further information or assistance regarding the Global Talent Visa in the digital technology category, you can contact Tech Nation or refer to official government sources, or contact us to consult with a qualified immigration advisor for the most up-to-date information.

Ref: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

To give your case the best chance of success, get in touch

To give your visa the best chance of success, and to reduce your stress, please contact our immigration experts.

If you wish to speak directly with one of our immigration specialists to get advice about business and personal immigration, or education in the UK and other visa issues, then please contact our Glasgow Head Office on Phone T:+44 (0)141 212 3355 or request a call back by completing the Online Form. You can also email us at enquiries@lattainternational.com. More information can be found from Contact Us.

* Disclaimer: The above information is for general reference only. Specialist legal advice should be sought.

Latest update: August 2023