The Global Talent Visa has replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa and is an immigration route designed for scientists, researchers and qualifying foreign citizens to live and work in the UK. The route provides a path towards accelerated permanent residence and is therefore an attractive visa for eligible applicants.
The UK’s Global Talent Visa is a highly sought-after immigration category designed for non-British nationals who want to come to the UK for the purposes of work or employment in specific industries.
In most cases, applicants are required to receive an official endorsement from one of six approved endorsing bodies.
The British Academy, The Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) issue endorsements for eligible applicants within the fields of science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities and other academic and research roles.
The four routes available to eligible academics and researchers when applying for endorsement include academic and research appointments, individual fellowships, endorsed funders, and peer review.
Arts Council England and Tech Nation are the bodies that oversee applicant endorsements within the fields of non-academic arts, culture, and digital technology.
Receiving an endorsement from an approved body is the first step in the process. The applicant must then submit their visa application and endorsement for approval by the Home Office.
The application process for the Global Talent Visa can be complex and it is important to submit your endorsement and visa application forms at the highest standard to maximise your chances of a successful application.
Contact WMYV for a confidential discussion about how we can assist you with your application.
Some of the fields included within these categories include science, engineering, humanities, social science, medicine, architecture, fashion, and film and television.
Eligible applicants must apply to the appropriate endorsing body and outline how they meet the eligibility criteria.
It can be a complex and difficult application due to the rigorous nature of the application process for both the endorsement and visa stages.
The government’s Global Talent immigration rules outline eligibility criteria in further detail, but if there is any doubt, it is recommended to consult with an immigration solicitor who can advise you on your personal circumstances.
The applicant must apply for the visa from outside the UK and they must obtain 70 points under the new points-based immigration system to qualify for this visa.
Applicants can meet the 70-point requirement through one of the following means:
You can use the Gov.uk’s online application form to apply for the visa.
The eligibility requirements for the visa vary considerably depending on the applicant’s circumstances and areas of expertise.
This section provides an overview of the eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Visa:
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and there are strict eligibility requirements for each category that applicants must be able to evidence to be granted the Global Talent Visa based on their area of expertise.
If you believe you are eligible, the best way to receive an endorsement for the Global Talent Visa from an endorsing body is to carefully read the requirements of each organisation and then demonstrate how you meet the criteria in your application.
The requirements for each endorsing body can be found at the below links:
By submitting an endorsement application and paying the fee to the relevant body, you will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you can then apply to the Home Office for your visa.
Meet one of these criteria:
For Those with Exceptional Promise:
The reason that the visa is popular is because it allows holders greater advantages and freedoms when working in the UK.
Some of the benefits include:
Applying for the Global Talent Visa in the United Kingdom is a process designed for highly skilled individuals in various fields such as science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts, and culture. To apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must follow these steps:
Eligibility Assessment
Before you begin the application process, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the Global Talent Visa. You must be recognized as a leader or emerging leader in your respective field and endorsed by a recognized endorsing body in the UK.
Choose an Endorsing Body
Identify the appropriate endorsing body for your field. The endorsing bodies are responsible for assessing and endorsing your application based on your achievements and contributions in your field. Each endorsing body has its own specific criteria, so you should carefully review their requirements before proceeding.
Prepare Your Documents
Gather all the necessary documents to support your application. These typically include:
Complete the Online Application
Visit the UK government’s official visa application website and complete the online Global Talent Visa application form. You will need to create an account and pay the visa application fee.
Attend your Biometric Appointment
If required, you may need to attend a biometric appointment at a visa application centre to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.
Attend an Endorsement Review
After submitting your online application, your endorsement body will review your application and make a decision. They will either endorse your application or provide feedback for improvement.
Submit Supporting Documents
Once you have received your endorsement, you will need to submit your endorsement letter along with the required supporting documents to the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge
You will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) as part of your visa application. This surcharge covers access to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK.
Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, you may be asked to attend an interview as part of the application process.
Wait for a Decision
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time can vary, but you can check the average processing times on the UK government’s website.
Collect Your Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
If your application is approved, you will be issued a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) that you must collect within a specified period after your arrival in the UK.
It’s important to note that the Global Talent Visa application process can be complex, and it’s highly recommended to seek legal advice or guidance from a qualified immigration expert such as our qualified team at WMYV to ensure a smooth and successful application. Additionally, the requirements and procedures may change, so always refer to the latest guidance on the UK government’s official website before applying.
Applying for a Global Talent Visa to bring exceptional talents to the UK can be a complex process, particularly when addressing the specific endorsement and eligibility requirements in your field. This process involves various document submissions and meticulous navigation of the application steps.
If you require guidance and support with your Global Talent Visa application, especially regarding meeting the stringent criteria and securing the necessary endorsement, the WMYV is here to assist you.
Our team comprises seasoned immigration lawyers well-versed in UK immigration laws and regulations. We have a track record of successfully guiding individuals through intricate immigration processes, and we are committed to extending the same level of support to you.
Whether you need expert assistance in securing the required endorsements, clarifying the eligibility criteria for your specific talent category, assembling the requisite documentation, or understanding the intricacies of maintaining your visa status, we are here to help. We can also provide guidance in the event of endorsement or visa application rejections.
For comprehensive information about the Global Talent Visa, including eligibility, endorsement, application procedures, and personalized advice tailored to your unique talents and situation, please do not hesitate to reach out to us today or contact us online.
The documents you need to apply for the visa depend on the exact nature of your application and the evidence required by one of the six endorsing bodies.
Some of the documents you should expect to provide include the following:
As well as the above list (which is not exhaustive), you will be required to provide other documents as part of the application.
This includes your passport, tuberculosis test results (where relevant), and certified translations of documents not in English (where relevant).
The majority of applications for the Global Talent Visa will be decided within three weeks from the date of application.
If the Home Office requires further information based on your situation, you will be required to submit this and it may prolong the waiting period.
The earliest you can apply for the visa is three months in advance of your intended date of travel to work in the UK.
You may be able to apply for a priority service at an additional cost to receive a faster decision on your application.
You will be given information on this when you submit your application.
The cost of the Global Talent Visa application is £623. If you are applying based on an endorsement, the cost of the endorsement is £456 and the visa application is £167.
If you are applying based on receipt of an eligible award, you will be required to pay £623 in total.
It is possible to include dependents on your application, and the cost of each individual is £623.
As well as this, applicants are required to pay the immigration healthcare surcharge (usually £624 per person per year).
You can check how much you need to pay at the Gov.uk eligibility checker page.
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If your endorsement application was refused, you may have recourse to an endorsement review. It can be frustrating and disappointing if you receive a negative decision on your application and it may be beneficial for you to work with a qualified immigration lawyer to discuss your case.
An endorsement review may be submitted to the Home Office which will then in turn be submitted to the endorsing body. The Home Office will then provide a response to you following a consultation with the body.
There is a deadline of 28 calendar days for the endorsement review to be submitted following the refusal, so it is important to act quickly.
Yes, if you fulfil the eligibility requirements, you may be able to extend the Global Talent Visa. Unlike many visa categories, there is no upper limit on how many times you can renew it.
However, you must submit evidence that you meet the requirements of the extension. In most cases, you will need to show that you still hold the endorsement from the endorsing body (i.e., the endorsement has not been withdrawn).
As well as this, you should demonstrate that you have earned money from your work in your field of expertise.
No, the Global Talent Visa does not have a language requirement. This means that individuals with any level of English language skills may apply for the visa.
However, if the individual later qualifies for indefinite leave to remain, there is a requirement to provide evidence of minimum English language ability.
The Global Talent visa is valid for five years. Holders of the visa are able to extend/renew the visa once they have accrued five years on it.
Yes, individuals on a different visa may be eligible to switch to the Global Talent visa if they are already in the UK on a valid visa.
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