Become Eligible For Global Talent Visa And Secure Your Application Quickly

Who can get a Global Talent Visa?

To be considered for entry under the Global Talent Visa, all applicants must obtain an endorsement from one of six approved endorsing bodies.

If you are applying for a Global Talent Visa endorsement in the field of science, engineering, medicine, social science or the humanities, or other academic roles and research, the Home Office will forward your application to the Royal Society, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Royal Academy of Engineering, or the British Academy. One of these endorsing bodies will then make an endorsement decision based on your profile and the evidence you provide.

If you are applying for a Global Talent Visa endorsement in non-academic fields like arts and culture and digital technology, your application will be referred to Arts Council England or Tech Nation.

It is important to note that each endorsing body follows its own endorsement criteria. The endorsing bodies have two sets of criteria when assessing an applicant:

• Exceptional Talent criteria for applicants who have already demonstrated that they have made a significant contribution as a leader to their field
• Exceptional Promise criteria for applicants who may be at an early stage in their careers and have already shown the potential to make significant contributions as a future leader in their field

To discuss your global talent route with one of our immigration experts, contact our UK Global Talent visa lawyers on +44 20 7404 7933 or complete our enquiry form.

How do I apply for a Global Talent Visa?

You can apply for a Global Talent Visa from either within the country or outside it.

Applications within the UK

If you are applying from within the UK, for example switching from one type of visa to a Global Talent Visa, the application is made online.

You can apply to switch to a Global Talent Visa if you are already in the UK with a valid visa. However, you cannot apply from inside the UK if you hold leave in any of the following categories:-

• visitor
• short-term student
• Parent of a Child Student
• Seasonal Worker
• domestic worker in a private household or outside the Immigration Rules.

Applications from outside the UK

An application for entry clearance can be made at the nearest visa appointment centre in your country of residence.
Download our guide on how to apply for Global Talent Visa here.

What is the Global Talent Visa processing time?

The application for a Global Talent Visa endorsement usually takes up to 8 weeks to be processed. The Global Talent Visa application can take up to three weeks if you are applying from outside the UK and up to eight weeks if you are applying from within the UK.

However, digital technology applicants may apply to have their endorsement application fast-tracked under certain prescribed circumstances.

In some cases, priority applications may be possible for Global Talent Visa applications. Note: The applicant does not have to wait for the endorsement to be granted before they apply for the Global Talent Visa — although this is risky because if the endorsement application is refused, the Global Talent Visa application will be refused as well.

What documentation do I need to provide when applying for a Global Talent Visa?

o submit a successful Global Talent Visa application, you will need to provide:

• A current passport or other valid travel documentation
• Your tuberculosis test results if you come from a country where this test is required
• Your endorsement letter
• The immigration health surcharge and application fee

What are the requirements surrounding Global Talent Visa UK eligibility?

An individual seeking to come to the UK on the Global Talent route must comply with the below two stages:

• Apply for an endorsement
• Apply for the Global Talent Visa (upon receipt of the endorsement)

An individual applying for entry clearance or leave to remain must score 70 points. If you are applying for entry clearance, you will score 70 points as follows:

• You have been issued with an endorsement letter by an endorsing body
• At the time when making the Global Talent Visa application, your endorsement is not older than 3 months
• Your endorsement has not been withdrawn by the endorsing body

If you are applying for leave to remain, you will score 70 points as follows:

• If your endorsement was not withdrawn by the endorsing body
• You have earned money in the field you have been endorsed

What are the Global Talent Visa endorsement requirements for Arts Council England?

Arts Council England is the endorsing body designated by the Home Office to review all applications for endorsement from individuals who work in the following fields:

• Combined Arts
• Dance
• Literature
• Music
• Theatre
• Visual Arts

Arts-focused activity in museum or gallery settings

To qualify for endorsement, you must provide evidence that you are either an established leader in the field or have the potential to become a leader, a leading artist, or an internationally recognised expert in your field.

You should be able to demonstrate that you are professionally engaged in producing work of outstanding quality that has been published (other than exclusively in newspapers or magazines), performed, presented, distributed, or exhibited internationally. Your activity in the field must be recent (within the last five years) and show a substantial (or developing in the case of an Exceptional Promise Visa application) international track record.

You also need to show evidence from at least two countries to support two of the following (exceptional talent only):

• Two or more examples of recent media recognition for your work (advertisements are not acceptable)
• You have won or have contributed to the win of a major international prize in your field, for example, the Booker Prize or an Academy Award
• Proof of appearances, performances, publications, or exhibitions in the last five years in contexts that are recognised as internationally significant in your field; for example, exhibiting at the Tate Modern or performing music at the O2 Centre

In the event you apply under the Global Promise category you will need to show evidence from at least one country to support two of the above evidence.

In addition to the above, you will need to provide a CV, and three letters of support from well-established cultural organisations that you have worked with, who are acknowledged experts in your field. Note: At least one of the organisations must be based in the UK.

The proof should encompass no more than ten documents, and it excludes the three mandatory letters of support.

What are the Global Talent Visa endorsement requirements for The British Academy, The Royal Society, and The Royal Academy of Engineering?

An individual seeking a Global Talent Visa endorsement in the field of science, engineering, humanities, and medicine must be an active researcher in an academic, industry, or government research institution. The above endorsement bodies allow an individual to make an endorsement application under the fast track or full peer review, depending on your experience and expertise.

How can I fast track my Global Talent Visa endorsement application?

An individual looking to fast-track their Global Talent Visa endorsement application must provide evidence of one of the following:

• (a) Has held, or has held in the 12 months before the date of the endorsement application, a peer-reviewed research fellowship or award named on the list published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, and the British Academy
• (b) Has been appointed to an academic or research position at an approved UK Higher Education Institution or research institute named on the list published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, and the British Academy
• (c) Will be hosted or employed in a UK research organisation named on the UKRI published list and will provide critical contributions to work supported by an award or a substantial research grant from an endorsed funder named on the UKRI published list

What documents will I need to provide for my Global Talent Visa endorsement application?

For a Global Talent Visa endorsement application under paragraph (a) above, an individual must provide written confirmation from an awarding body named on the list published by the Royal Society, the British Academy, and the Royal Academy of Engineering that they hold or have held in the last 12 months, an eligible and defined peer-reviewed fellowship or award.

For an endorsement application under paragraph (b) above, an individual must show that they hold an eligible academic or research position at an approved UK Higher Education Institution or Research Institute named on the list published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, and the British Academy and they must provide a statement of guarantee from the Director of Human Resources, or equivalent, which confirms:

• (a) The job was advertised, and an open competition was held, or where it was not, an explanation as to why
• (b) The applicant should have accepted the job offer
• (c) The job title and department in which the applicant will be based
• (d) At least 2 references were received
• (e) A minimum of 3 academic representatives from the employing institution should have been a part of the interview panel
• (f) At least 1 of the experts from the applicant’s field should have been part of the interview panel, or at least 1 relevant expert independent of the employing institution was consulted before the job offer was made

For making a Global Talent Visa endorsement application under paragraph (c), an individual must show that there are at least 2 years remaining on their employment contract or hosting agreement and that it should be held or should have been employed by a UKRI-approved UK research organisation and will provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award from an endorsed funder by:

• (a) Written confirmation should be provided about the award from the endorsed funder, which shows the award is worth at least £30,000 and covers a minimum of 2 years
• (b) Confirming that the award is either
  • Should have been funded by an award or one-off grant that was won in an open competition
  • Should have been attributed to a large institutional and a renewable award that is subject to periodic peer review
• You should provide just a dedicated declaration from the Director of Human Resources, or equivalent, at the UKRI-approved research organisation, which confirms all the following:
  • The applicant is very important for executing the award or grant
  • 50% of the applicant’s time will have to be spent working on the grant or award by the endorsed funder (principal investigators and co-investigators can aggregate time spent on multiple eligible awards or grants to demonstrate this requirement)
  • The applicant should have accepted the job offer or hosting agreement
  • The department and the job title to which the applicant will be assigned
  • Details of the recruitment process where the applicant was not named on the grant application

What are the requirements for a full peer review endorsement?

An individual evidencing exceptional talent under full peer review must meet the following:

• (a) Has to be an active researcher in an approved field, like related to a university, research institute, or directly in the industry
• (b) Have a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research)
• (c) Meet 1 of the following requirements:
  • The applicant should be a member of the national academy or a foreign member of an academy of any other country
  • The applicant should have won an award or a prestigious, internationally acclaimed prize
  • The applicant is required to provide a letter of recommendation from a senior member of a known and recognised UK organisation concerned with research in the applicant’s field

An individual evidencing exceptional promise under full peer review must meet the following:

• (a) The applicant should be currently active in research in a relevant field, typically in a university, research institute, or in the industry
• (b) Have a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research)
• (c) Should be beginning their career or are still in the early stages
• (d) Have been awarded, or should have held, a prestigious UK-based research fellowship for the last 5 years or an international fellowship or an advanced post judged by the endorsing body to be equivalent to such a fellowship

What documents will I need to provide for a full peer review endorsement?

An individual applying for full peer review endorsement must provide the following:

• (a) The applicant needs to provide a CV that details their career and publication history
• (b) The applicant should provide a letter of personal recommendation from a UK-based eminent personality to support their Global Talent Visa application which includes all of the following:
  • How the author is connected to the applicant
  • The applicant’s achievements and glories in the relevant field
  • How the author considers and concludes the applicant shows exceptional talent or promise
  • The contribution of the applicant that he/she would make to UK research excellence and wider society
• (c) The applicant should provide a letter from an additional eminent person in your field, which includes all of the following (only applicable for exceptional talent applicants)
  • A statement from the eminent person confirming that the author is a senior member of a reputable UK organization concerned with the research in your field, and
  • How the author considers the applicant’s work to evidence exceptional talent, and
  • The contribution you will be expected to make to UK research and wider society, and
  • A statement from the eminent person confirming the author’s assessment is provided on the basis of their capacity as an objective expert in their field and is an objective assessment of your reputation.

What are the Global Talent Visa endorsement requirements for Tech Nation?

The designated endorsing body by the Home Office to assess applications from a digital background is Tech Nation.

An applicant for endorsement in the field of digital technology must show:

• (a) If they are a technical applicant, they need to provide evidence of proven technical expertise with the latest technologies in building, using, deploying, or exploiting a technology stack and building technical infrastructure
• (b) If they are a business applicant, they need to provide evidence of proven commercial investment or product expertise in building digital products or leading investments in significant digital product businesses

An applicant applying for an endorsement in the field of technology evidencing exceptional talent must:

• (a) The applicant must show that they have been recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector
• (b) The applicant must provide evidence of at least 2 pieces of evidence for 2 of the following:
  • The applicant should have a proven track record for innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept
  • The applicant must have proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field
  • The applicant should have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder, senior executive, or employee of a product-led digital technology company
  • The applicant should have demonstrated exceptional ability in the field through academic contributions, research published or endorsed by an expert

An individual applying for an endorsement in the field of technology evidencing exceptional promise must:

• (a) The applicant should be able to provide evidence that they have been recognised as having the potential to become a leading talent in the digital technology field
• (b) The applicant must provide evidence of at least 2 pieces of evidence for 2 of the following:
  • The applicant should have at least 2 examples of innovation as a founder of a product-led digital technology company or as an employee working on a new digital field or concept
  • The applicant should be able to provide proof of recognition for work beyond the applicant’s occupation that contributes to the advancement of the field
  • The applicant should have made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions to the field as a founder or employee of a product-led digital technology company; or
  • The applicant should have at least 2 examples of exceptional ability in the field through academic contributions or through research endorsed by an expert

What documents will I need to provide for a Tech Nation Global Talent Visa endorsement application?

An individual applying for an endorsement to Tech Nation will need to provide:

• An up-to-date CV with career and publication history included
• 3 dated letters of recommendation from 3 different well-established organisations acknowledged as experts in the digital technology field
• At least 10 pieces of evidence relevant to your field of expertise, which may include letters of mentorship, recommendation letters, employment documents, evidence of establishing a successful technology business, and many more

The above documents will need to be incorporated into an online application to Tech Nation.

Who is eligible for a Global Talent Visa in digital technology?

The Global Talent Visa in digital technology welcomes the brightest tech talents to join and contribute to the UK’s digital technology sector. Each applicant is expected to demonstrate to the endorsing body (Tech Nation) a successful career history as an innovator or significant contributor in the field of digital technology either:

• As a recognised leader in the digital technology industry (exceptional talent)
• As an emerging leader in the digital technology industry (exceptional promise)

Note the following text from Home Office rules: “Tech Nation accepts applications from applicants with technical and business skills in the digital technology sector.”

This basically applies to applicants who showcase exceptional technical skills with a major focus on expertise in dealing with the latest technologies. Applicants should be practitioners who have a varied skill set, ranging from building to deploying to designing the technical infrastructure.

For business applicants, the criteria focus on exhibiting commercial as well as investment expertise while dealing with digital products (including leading investments).

Suitable skill types are listed below; however, please note that this list is not exhaustive and provides an indication of the typical applicants assessed by Tech Nation.

How do I demonstrate that I have been (or have the potential to be) recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector?

The demonstration of your potential to be recognised as a leading talent in the digital technology sector would require you to provide evidence that you are an extraordinarily competent and talented applicant. Also, that you are or have the capability to be a rising star both nationally and internationally and be a leader in the digital technology sector using your exceptional talent. Any documents that you put forward to prove your talent or eligibility need to include work that was done by you in the recent 5 years. READ MORE

How do I demonstrate that I have been recognised for my work outside of my immediate occupation that contributed to the advancement of the sector?

You can demonstrate your dedication and recognition of your work outside of your daily job if you can provide proof that you have been a dedicated contributor to the field of digital technology (out of your day-to-day job) in ways like tutoring, mentoring, organised interest groups, advising, public policy development, or participating in various events associated to the field and playing a paramount role in the development of the same. READ MORE

How do I demonstrate that I have made a significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contribution in a product-led digital technology company, either as a founder, senior executive, or employee?

To demonstrate that you have made a significant technical contribution or entrepreneurial contribution in a product-led digital technology company as a founder or senior executive can be made by providing approved evidence of the same in the form of employment contracts or recommendation letters. This part has two distinctions where the applications can be made to show two types of leadership. One is tech-based and the other is business based. READ MORE

How do I demonstrate that I have exceptional ability in the field by making academic contributions through research?

Exceptional ability in the field can be demonstrated in multiple ways which will require you to submit evidence to support your claims. Any recognition you have received whether in the UK itself or outside but by an esteemed and recognised institution like the Royal Society will be accepted as sufficient evidence. READ MORE

How do I demonstrate that I have a proven track record or examples of innovation in the digital technology sector as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company or an employee working in a new field or concept?

You would have to provide sufficient evidence of the existence of a firm or business in which either you were the owner, partner, founder, or were part of the senior management. A firm that may be currently active or was dissolved in the recent 5 years. Also, you will need to show documentary evidence if your company is commercially successful. READ MORE

What documents do I need to provide for endorsement by Tech Nation?

The documents required vary from case to case, but they include:

• CV
• 3 dated letters of recommendation signed by 3 different senior members of different established organisations in the digital technology sector. These members should have some exposure to your skill sets for them to write the letter of recommendation.

If and as applicable:

• Evidence of any active businesses established or businesses that have been dissolved in the last five years, which must have been commercially successful or otherwise demonstrate how the applicant meets the endorsement criteria
• Evidence of one or more examples of innovation in the field of digital technology
• Proof of recognition for work outside the applicant’s immediate occupation that has contributed to the advancement of the sector (they must have a proven history/record that does not simply include the regular day-to-day responsibilities but proves that the applicant has made a significant contribution towards the advancement of the related industry). For e.g., mentoring in the technological field through the educational establishment, any structured mentoring programmes, or open-source code sharing to give back to the tech community through various code-sharing platforms that have attracted the reuse or publication of op-ed articles in reputed sources
• Evidence that the applicant has made significant technical, commercial, or entrepreneurial contributions in the digital technology sector as either a founder, senior executive, or employee of a product-led digital technology company. Such evidence should show tangible significance – for example, revenue increase, breaking into new markets or segments, savings for customers, etc.
• Evidence that the applicant has demonstrated exceptional ability in the field by making academic contributions through research published or otherwise endorsed by a research supervisor or other expert

What are the advantages of a Global Talent Visa?

Numerous advantages are available through the Global Talent Visa, including:

• You can work for an employer, the director of a company, or be self-employed in the field you were endorsed
• If a company wishes to employ you, they do not have to hold a UK Sponsor Licence
• You can apply for settlement after five years if you have been endorsed as an Exceptional Promise applicant or or three years if you have been endorsed as an Exceptional Talent candidate
• You are free to change jobs without having to tell the Home Office, subject to your remaining and earning money from the industry you have been endorsed

What should I do if my Global Talent Visa endorsement is refused?

If your Global Talent Visa endorsement is refused, you can apply for an endorsement review to the relevant endorsement body. At A Y & J Solicitors, we are experts at overturning refusals on endorsements. 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.

Is the Global Talent Visa right for me?

In comparison with other visas, the Global Talent Visa is flexible. Applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 years if they have been endorsed as Exceptional Talent and meet the ILR requirements or they can apply for ILR after 5 years if endorsed under the Exceptional Promise route. Applicants can also choose to extend their Global Talent Visa if they cannot meet the ILR rules, regardless of their endorsement type.
The rules allow the migrant to work in any kind of job within their endorsement category. For example, if a candidate gets endorsed by Tech Nation in an expert field then they can take on any job in digital technology within the same expert field. However, it is important to bear in mind that if the migrant applies for either extension or settlement, they must show that they have earned money in the UK and that these earnings were linked to the expert field, which led to their initial endorsement.
But, as you can see, these UK Global Talent Visa requirements are broadly stated, and the possibility of setting up your own business provides a lot of scope and flexibility. This visa is also an option for those interested in Global Talent Visa ILR (indefinite leave to remain) should one be interested in this path to British citizenship.
Extension and settlement applications do not require any further endorsement from the endorsing body unless the endorsement has been withdrawn.

How much does a Global Talent Visa cost?

Here is a breakdown of the Global Talent Visa fees:

Note: Applicants also have to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which is £624 per year per person or £470 per year per child under 18 years old

How long can I stay on the Global Talent Visa?

Once approved, an individual can extend their stay in the UK as many times as they wish if they don’t qualify for ILR.

How can I extend my Global Talent Visa?

Global Talent Visa holders can apply for an extension if:

• The organisation that endorsed them hasn’t withdrawn its approval
• They have been earning money in their field of expertise during their last period of leave in the UK. Refer to guidance notes here.

Note: You will have to apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

Tell me more about the recommendation letters. Who could give a reference, and what should they include?

As far as the recommendation letter is concerned, an applicant should possess 3 dated ones, each one of them duly attested by 3 high-positioned members of 3 different organisations that have a proven track record of contributing to the growth of the digital technology industry.
Note: The members should be at a senior level and should also have exposure to the skills that you possess, to add credibility to your recommendation letter.
The letters should at least:

• Include details of the author’s credentials (for example, a curriculum vitae)
• Include details of how the recognised expert knows the applicant
• Include the applicant’s achievements in the specialist field and how, in the opinion of the recognised expert, the applicant exhibits exceptional talent or exceptional promise
• Include how the applicant would benefit from living in the UK and the contribution they would make to the UK digital technology sector
• Include details of any future professional engagements the applicant has in the UK, where applicable

How do I know if I qualify as a promise or talent? Can you walk through some practical examples?

Let us take an example of a candidate, Mr. A, who has machine learning experience of 8+ years. Generally, anyone with five or less than five years of working experience is considered an ‘exceptional promise’ category. This candidate will fall under the ‘exceptional talent’ category.
For the ‘exceptional talent’ category, he meets the following:
Significant contribution
Mr. A has worked for a multinational company in data science roles for the last 4 years, and he is able to show significant contribution through high-impact projects and products he has led and contributed to. Hence, he aims to provide evidence for qualifying criteria 1 in the above table. In particular, the CEO of his company has written a letter stating these facts and also highlighting the impact Mr. A’s work has made (for example, some of the workstreams have led to revenue generation of $XX). It is important to note that there are different ways the impact and significance can be measured and shown. Other options for someone to show significant contributions include:

• Starting or contributing to open-source projects in a way that has been acknowledged by peers as advancing the field. For example, this can be demonstrated by a GitHub profile that can serve as proof of your coding skills.
• Should be an individual that has a proven track record of working as the chief engineer, contributing to the success of a core product from a startup. As evidence, you’ll need either a letter from the company owner and/or other related documentation that highlights your contribution to the design and success of the product (the document should be limited to a maximum of 4 A4-sized pages). Also, this document is proof of your contribution and not the company’s.

Recognised leading talent
Mr. A also published a book two years ago on ‘Python Programming – Machine Learning’ through a well-known publisher, which was well-reviewed. He will provide evidence of this using the link to the book on Amazon and its reviews by other industry experts and audiences. Note – this criterion also can be fulfilled if the candidate has published material in a professional or major trade publication.
Alternatively, any candidate who has led the growth of a product-led digital technology company or product, as evidenced by a letter from a leading industry expert describing your work or as evidenced by news clippings, lines of code, or similar evidence of their choice, also will satisfy the rules.
Academic contributions
Mr. A has been working with a local university on researching with a team there and has written a joint publication in a reputed academic journal. He will provide details of this publication as evidence.
Candidates with the following evidence will also qualify:

• Evidence of awards received for outstanding applied work supported by excellent academic achievement (a first-class degree or distinction).
• A letter received as support from a recognised research supervisor. This is different from the 3 recommendation letters stated above and must be from an industry expert who isn’t the same individual who has signed the recommendation letter.
• Evidence of an award that has been granted by an organisation of similar standing and distinction to the Royal Society in the UK, as well as the selection criteria for this award.

Innovation
Mr. A has a joint patent published and can provide details and links to Google Patents with a verifiable ID.
Candidates with the following also qualify for these criteria:

• Proof highlighting the development and innovative side of the candidate, which can be a well-known product in the market.
• Proof of the business you own, along with a well-documented set of audited accounts as well as the financial projections of the ongoing year.
• Documentation of the contract of employment that includes your salary details as well as bonus, equity, and history of all earnings.
• Proof of local, national, or international sales you have made with a well-documented presentation of your distribution and sales channels.

Recognition for work outside immediate occupation
Mr. A is very active on GitHub with contributions to a popular open-source collaborative project related to machine learning and can provide details of this project as evidence.
Other relevant evidence includes:

• Stack Overflow profile showing the significant contribution to discussions around code.
• A link to one or more videos of talks or conferences that have had a significant viewership.
• Publishing that proves your skillset as a thought leader in the digital sector (like an op-ed or news article).
• Evidence of mentorship: This exemplifies your achievements as a teacher, mentor, and trainer. You should have been a part of a mentorship program within a recognised programme that alone can justify your mentorship abilities.

Can I bring my family with me to the UK on a Global Talent Visa?

Yes, as a Global Talent Visa holder, you have the right to bring your dependents to the UK.
A dependent can be any of the following:

• Your partner (spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner)
• Your child under 18
  • If your child is over 18 years of age, he/she should be currently residing in the UK

Do I need to meet the English language requirement?

An individual applying to enter this route or extend their stay in the Global Talent route does not need to satisfy the English language requirement. The English language requirement needs to be satisfied at the time of applying for indefinite leave to remain.

Why should I trust A Y & J Solicitors to help me with my Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa category is extremely competitive and includes a rigorous application process. At A Y & J Solicitors, we have a robust track record of advising successful Global Talent Visa London applicants looking to remain or enter the UK using the Global Talent Visa route. We provide friendly, practical, expert legal advice and will swiftly spot any weaknesses in your application and correct them.