Global Talent Visa Earnings Requirement for Extension and ILR
To extend your Global Talent visa or apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), you must demonstrate that you earned income in the UK during your most recent period of permission. This income must be connected to the field for which you were either endorsed or recognized via a prestigious prize.
Although there’s no set minimum income level, your earnings must be clearly documented—such as through payslips, bank statements, or a letter from your accountant. Only UK-based income is considered. If your evidence is unclear, the Home Office is expected to contact you before making a negative decision.
1. Understanding the Global Talent Visa Income Requirement
The Global Talent visa is a flexible route for professionals looking to advance their careers in fields like science, arts, humanities, engineering, medicine, and digital technology. It also offers a fast-track path to settlement in the UK—requiring only three years for certain ‘exceptional talent’ or ‘promising’ individuals.
A common source of confusion is the requirement to prove earnings in the UK during your last grant of leave. This article addresses key questions about this criterion.
2. What Are the Earnings Requirements for a Visa Extension?
As per Appendix Global Talent GT 5.1, applicants seeking to extend their visa must show that they earned income in the UK during their last period of leave. The income must be directly related to either:
- The field linked to their prestigious prize, or
- The field they were endorsed in.
For instance, someone endorsed as an exceptional singer must show income from singing engagements, music sales, or similar work.
3. Earnings Requirement for ILR under Global Talent
The settlement (ILR) requirement, outlined in GT 10.2, mirrors that of the extension. Applicants must demonstrate earnings in their endorsed field or the field of their recognized prize during their most recent period of permission.
For example, a recipient of an environmental prize may show income earned as a researcher at an environmental think tank.
4. What Forms of Income Evidence Are Accepted?
There’s no mandatory format for income evidence, but the Home Office does provide examples, including:
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- Accountant’s letters
- Invoices
- Employment contracts
The list is not exhaustive, but your documents must clearly demonstrate UK-based earnings in your specific field.
For example, an architect could submit payslips from a firm, followed by an accountant’s statement covering self-employed work.
5. Must Earnings Be Directly Connected to My Endorsed Field?
Yes. The income must relate directly to the area for which you were endorsed or received a prize. For example, working at a theatre bar wouldn’t count for someone endorsed as a stage actor, as it doesn’t involve acting itself.
If you’re endorsed in a broad category like ‘combined arts,’ earnings from any related discipline within that umbrella may be acceptable.
6. Is There a Minimum Earnings Threshold?
No minimum income is required. The key is that some income—regardless of the amount—must have been earned in your relevant field. This ensures fairness across professions with different income levels.
7. Do Earnings Have to Be from the UK?
Yes. Only income earned within the UK is valid. While the rules are unclear on overseas income from UK-affiliated projects (like international tours), the safest approach is to focus on UK-based contributions.
8. When Must the Income Have Been Earned?
Your earnings must have occurred during your most recent Global Talent visa period. Income from previous visas (e.g. Skilled Worker) does not count, even if it was in the same field.
9. What if My Income Evidence Is Rejected?
If the Home Office isn’t satisfied with your documents, they must give you the opportunity to provide further evidence. To avoid delays or refusals, it’s advisable to submit clear, relevant documents and seek professional legal advice if needed.
