Global Talent: PACT

A Global Talent visa allows highly skilled individuals who are leaders, or possess high potential to be a leader, in academia or research, art and culture, or digital technology to come and work in the UK. 

To be able to apply for a Global Talent visa, you must first receive an endorsement by a Home Office approved organisation. Those individuals working in the fields of Film, Television, Animation, Post-Production and Visual Effects can apply through PACT (Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) if they satisfy their requirements. 

Any individual can apply to be endorsed as a recognised leader in the above fields, as long as they show evidence of 1 of the following:

Have won at any time, or in the last 10 years received a nomination for, one of the following awards: An Academy Award, A British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) (Film, Television, Craft, Cymru, Scotland and Games only) Award, A Golden Globe, or An Emmy Award.

Within the last 10 years, made a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for one of the awards mentioned above.

Within the last 15 years, achieved a minimum of two nominations for one of the awards mentioned above.

Can demonstrate notable industry recognition by providing evidence of:

1. International distribution sales and recognition; and
2. Achievement of one of the following:
   1. At any time, won at least two Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions. Where the production(s) are films, the films must have had a theatrical release;
   2. At any time won one, and, within the last six years, have been nominated for one other Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions. Where the production(s) are films, the films must have had a theatrical release;
   3. Within the last six years, have been nominated for at least three Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions. Where the production(s) are films, the films must have had a theatrical release;
   4. Within the last three years before the date of application, made significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for three Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions. Where the production(s) are films, the films must have had a theatrical release.

Bear in mind that while the above list is provided, each application is decided on a case-by-case basis and particularly on the strength of the supporting documents submitted. 

Additionally, applicants require to provide 3 letters of support: 

1. The first letter must be from a UK based organisation, institution or company which is well- established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field.
2. The second letter must be from another organisation, institution or company which is well- established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field. This second organisation may be UK or overseas based.
3. The third letter may be either from a third organisation, institution or company (UK or overseas based) which is well-established nationally and/or internationally and widely acknowledged as possessing expertise in the applicant’s specialist field or from an eminent individual with internationally recognised expertise in the applicant’s specialist field.

The Global Talent visa can be granted for up to five years initially, and after this period it is possible to extend the visa or apply for settlement. However, those who have been endorsed by PACT can apply for settlement after 3 years. 

Individuals who get endorsed can also bring their family members (spouse/partner and children under 18 years of age) with them to the United Kingdom. 

We can help with the application for Global Talent under this scheme.