ILR – UK settlement on a Global Talent Visa
10.08.2023
The Global Talent visa pathway leads to settlement, also known as Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), after a period of either 3 or 5 years spent within this category. The duration of the qualifying period hinges on whether the applicant received an endorsement under the “leader” or “emerging leader” criteria, particularly if the endorsement was granted by one of the Science bodies. It’s worth noting that those endorsed by Science bodies can attain ILR after just 3 years within the Global Talent visa route.
It’s important to highlight that the regulations for dependants may diverge; eligibility for dependants to apply for ILR after 3 years alongside the main applicant is not universally applicable.
In tandem with meeting the appropriate qualifying period, the applicant must demonstrate that, during their most recent leave period, they generated income connected to their field of expertise. Substantiating this evidence could encompass documents displaying salary, self-employment records, business earnings documentation, or, for researchers, a letter from the institution that secured the funding, and so on.
ILR requirements
- Fulfil KoLL (Knowledge of Language and Life) requirements.
- Pass an approved English language test at level B1.
- Pass a Life in the UK test.
To obtain ILR under the Global Talent visa, you must reside in the country for 3 years for the Talent category and 5 years for the Promise category. Your family members who obtained visas based on yours must reside in the country for 5 years regardless of the category. Additionally, as with visa extensions, you must demonstrate active work and earnings in the relevant field.
The time spent on a Skilled Worker visa will contribute towards your Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application under the Global Talent route, potentially enabling immediate eligibility or a substantial acceleration of the ILR process (also might be applicable to other types of immigration routes).
Absence Limits Outside the UK
One of the most important requirements for obtaining ILR is complying with the absence limits from the country. Exceeding 180 days of absence in any 12-month period may lead to a refusal of ILR. Exceptions are possible only in exceptional circumstances, such as the illness of a close relative or natural disasters. The absence limit can also be extended if you have made work trips and received visa approval from the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy, or UK Research and Innovation.
Example: X received a visa in August 2024 under the Talent category. In October 2025, he went on vacation and returned in March 2026, being absent for approximately 150 days. Then he left in early July 2026 and returned in September 2026, being absent for another 120 days. When applying for ILR in August 2027, X may be refused due to exceeding the absence limit, as he was absent for more than 180 days in any 12-month period, which in X’s case began in September 2025, despite the visa being valid since August 2024.
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How Sterling Law Can Assist
When applying for a Global Talent visa and after obtaining it in the UK, it is important to consider the following:
- Absence limits for ILR.
- Work and earnings in the relevant field.
- Proper planning of terms and timely visa extensions.
The Immigration Team at Sterling Law boasts extensive experience in advising on both the Global Talent visa and Indefinite Leave to Remain . Should you have any inquiries stemming from this article, please don’t hesitate to contact us for expert guidance. You can send us an email or alternatively, stay updated by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
