Global Talent Visa

What is a Global Talent Visa?

Many potential immigrants ask “what is a Global Talent visa?”. Essentially, it is the new version of the exceptional talent visa in the UK. It’s a document that allows specific types of individuals to arrive and stay in the United Kingdom. It is designed for talented individuals from specific industries, allowing them to arrive in the country faster and get permanent residence quicker than they would with other types of visas.

For the government, the most obvious benefit of this route relates to the increased number of talented people arriving in the country and contributing to the industries the government considers the most important ones.

For individuals, it is just a convenient way of becoming a resident in the UK. This route allows them to settle after three years or after five years, depending on the decision of the government. Once the settlement application is completed, the person may apply for British Citizenship. This route is one of the fastest options available for immigrants with corresponding skills and experiences, though the requirements for it are also high.

There are multiple benefits this visa provides. First of all, it opens more career paths to the individual. The approved person may work for a wide variety of companies and organizations in their field or they are eligible to become self-employed.

Secondly, the additional bureaucracy associated with sponsor licenses and sponsor certificates is completely removed from the equation, as the procedure is not applied to global talents. Last but not least, the informing policy for such individuals is not as strict as with some other types of visas. You won’t even have to inform the government about changing your job.

Essentially, the person is free to reside in the United Kingdom without passing any additional commissions or procedures for the period the visa is granted. However, in case they wish to extend it later, they will need to prove their professional growth and success during their time in the country.

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Global Talent visa fees

Example Calculation:

For a 3-year visa for the main applicant, the total cost would include:

• Visa Fee: £205
• Endorsement Fee: £561
• IHS for 3 years: £1,035 x 3 = £3,105
• Total for the Main Applicant: £205 + £561 + £3,105 = £3,871

For each dependant (partner or child), the fee is £766, plus IHS for the duration of the visa.

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Who can get a Global Talent Visa?

In order to apply for a tier 1 Talent visa, the individual should receive an endorsement first. These endorsements are given out by six entities, each of them being responsible for a specific field:

• The Royal Society, for science and medicine
• The Royal Academy of Engineering, for engineering
• The British Academy, for humanities
• Tech Nation, for digital technology
• Arts Council England, for arts and culture
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), for research applicants

If your qualifying field is fashion, architecture or film and television, Arts Council England will pass on your application for review to:

• British Fashion Council, for fashion
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), for architecture
• Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), for film and television

It is important to understand the difference between obtaining an endorsement and having your special Talent visa application approved in the UK. Endorsement is only a part of your visa application, so it is only the first step on a long route.

Each of the mentioned bodies has different criteria for approving candidates. In contrast, the criteria for getting a visa are common for each field and each body. Aside from the endorsement, the individual has to be at least 18 years old. The only exception that allows the individual to apply without an endorsement relates to the cases when the applicant won a major award in their field.

How to get endorsed for the Global Talent Visa?

To apply for this type of permit, applicants must first secure endorsement from an authorized organization. These organizations are expert groups, each focused on a specific domain. Here’s a summary of entities that facilitate the relevant endorsements in the UK.

To be endorsed, applicants must demonstrate their contributions or potential impact within their field, adhering to the specific criteria established by the endorsing body in their area of expertise. Below is a brief on some primary organisations’ eligibility requirements.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

• Leadership. Submit evidence that you are a leader or potential leader in science, research and innovation.
• Funding. Show that you have received or been selected to receive prestigious grants or funding from respected and recognized organizations.
• Contributions to science or research. A strong contribution in your field that can be documented.

Royal Society

• Significant and documented scientific contributions.
• Recommendations from well-known and respected members of the scientific community.
• Evidence of your leadership experience or potential in your field of science.

The British Academy

• A strong contribution and recognition in one of the fields of the humanities.
• Outstanding scholarly work or publications in leading journals and publications.
• Evidence of leadership and contributions to your scientific field.

The Royal Academy of Engineering

• A significant contribution to engineering, which may include the development of new technologies, processes or products.
• International recognition for your engineering achievements.
• Evidence that you are considered a leader in the field of engineering.

Tech Nation

• Significant contribution to the digital technology field, whether as a founder of a technology startup or as a key contributor to innovation in the field.
• Provide evidence of the success of your technology venture, including financial performance, market expansion, and investment.
• Evidence of your status as a leading expert in a technical or digital field.

Arts Council England

• Having significant and recognized achievements in the arts, whether in literature, music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film and television.
• Evidence that your creative contribution is valued in your country and abroad.
• Evidence of your leadership qualities or contribution to developing arts and culture.

Each of these associations has its own unique process and requirements for evaluating applicants, so it is important to thoroughly research the specific requirements of a particular association before applying for endorsement.

How to submit an application for Global Talent visa via the Prestigious Prizes Route?

Individuals awarded specific esteemed prizes may be eligible for an expedited process for the permit. These awards are listed in the Appendix for Global Talent Prestigious Prizes, which includes:

• Centenary Prize, awarded by the Royal Society of Chemistry for exceptional contributions to the chemical sciences that significantly further the field.
• Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering, given by the US National Academy of Engineering for creating technologies that have markedly enhanced contemporary life, society’s development, and overall human well-being.
• Fashion Awards – Designer of the Year, presented by the Fashion Awards – British Fashion Council Fashion Awards, recognize excellence across various categories, notably Designer of the Year. The Council highlights the importance of aesthetics in fashion alongside its social and environmental impact.

Applicants must demonstrate receipt of one of the listed awards to apply, which streamlines the visa application process by removing the need for further endorsement from an authorized entity.

Eligibility requirements for the Global Talent visa

The eligibility requirements for each field of the talent work visa are different. In this section, we will list the short versions of the criteria published by the corresponding bodies that we have already listed above. Both the criteria and the evidence you will need to provide are individual, and it is always better to look up all the details on the website of the corresponding body.

Eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Visa: 70 points

To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet specific criteria and score 70 points according to an established scoring system.

To score 70 points on an initial application with an endorsement, you need:

• approval from an approved body;
• the application date must not exceed 3 months from the date stated on the endorsement letter;
• the endorsement must be valid.

To achieve a score of 70 points for an initial application without relying on an endorsement, the applicant must have received a prestigious prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.

How to apply for a Global Talent visa?

The preparation for applying is a lot more difficult than the application process itself. The government grants the individuals two options to choose from: they can either submit from within the country or apply from outside of the United Kingdom.

With foreign submissions, the government will need you to visit the appointment center. For those who are already residing in the United Kingdom, there is an option to change their current visa. To do so, the person just needs to submit an online application form.

• British Fashion Council, for fashion
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), for architecture
• Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), for film and television

Required documents to apply for the Global Talent visa

The general list of required documents might be rather long, as you have to keep in mind that you need a substantial amount of paper to obtain the endorsement before you can contact the visa center. In general, you will need the following documents, although this is not the complete list:

• British Fashion Council, for fashion
• Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), for architecture
• Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), for film and television

The pieces of proof mentioned in the last point are individual for each field as well. However, for any field, they should demonstrate the outstanding quality of your work and your exceptional performance in the relevant field.

There might be some additional documents required as well. For example, as we have already mentioned in the previous section, digital specialists will need to prove their active participation in product development. Thus, such individuals will have to attach some additional corresponding documents as well. Researchers will also need to provide all the necessary details about their prior work.

What is the Global Talent visa processing time?

In most cases, the processing time does not exceed a month. However, similar to other types of visa approvals, the bodies might ask you to verify some details of an interview, which usually increases the duration of the process significantly.

There is also a difference in this time frame, depending on where you send your application from. For individuals who have submitted their request from outside of the country, the processing time is usually around three weeks, while for those who have submitted from inside the country, it may take up to eight weeks.

It is also important to mention that some specialists from the digital industry can get to the fast-track route that has a decreased processing period. Another important detail is that the individual can send out the visa application before the endorsement request is reviewed. As these are two separate procedures, applying for them simultaneously is a convenient way of saving time. Although in case the endorsement is not issued, there is no chance of getting the visa request approved.

The time required for case preparation is contingent upon the selected package and the quantity and caliber of essential documents furnished during this process. Please refer to our article for more information.

How long does a Global Talent visa last?

The Global Talent technician visa is issued for a period from one to five years. Once it expires, the individual is capable of renewing it. As we have mentioned in one of the previous sections, the individuals are also capable of applying for British Citizenship after staying in the country for a specific period of time.
In case you decide to extend your visa, there are some additional things you should know. First of all, the bodies that issue endorsements are capable of withdrawing them. Thus, before you apply, you have to ensure it did not happen. Secondly, such an extension is only possible until your current visa expires. If that happens, you will need to go for another route.

Switching from other types of visas

Transitioning from alternative visa classifications, you have the option to request a change to Global Talent Visa should you be present in the UK on a different visa type. This must be done prior to the expiration of your current visa. It’s a prerequisite to submit your application for a visa of this type within three months following your endorsement.

Applications for a visa are not permissible if you find yourself in the UK under the following statuses:

• on a visitor visa;
• on a brief study visa;
• on a visa as a student’s parent;
• on a visa for seasonal employment;
• on a visa for domestic labour in a private household;
• under an immigration bail;
• you have received permission to stay in the country on grounds that fall outside the standard immigration framework, for instance, due to humanitarian reasons.

Should you belong to any of the aforementioned categories, departing the UK and initiating your visa application from overseas is necessary.

Can you apply to ILR with a Global Talent Visa?

Such visa holders are eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) subject to the following conditions.

• The main requirement to be met before applying for ILR is time spent in the UK. For those who are recognized as exceptional talent, a minimum stay of 3 years is required. For those who are supported as promising talents, this period is increased to 5 years
• Candidates must prove that their stay has been uninterrupted. This means they must not have left the UK for more than a certain number of days during the period they intend to count as a stay for ILR. This is usually 180 days of absence per year.
• Proof of English language proficiency. ILR applicants must provide evidence that they have an adequate command of the English language. This can be a certificate of success in an English language test at the appropriate level or a higher education diploma obtained in an English-speaking country.
• Life in the UK test. To obtain ILR, you must successfully complete the Life in the UK test, which tests your knowledge of the UK’s culture, history and laws.

Can you bring your partner and children under the Global Talent category?

Holders of Global Talent Visa can bring their partners and children as dependents. Let’s look closer at the requirements and conditions to successfully obtain visas for family members.

Dependants can be:

• Partners. The principal applicant’s partner can be either a formal spouse or a civil partner. Long-term unregistered relationships are also recognized, provided the couple has lived together for at least 2 years before the application.
• Children under the age of 18 can be included in the application as dependents. It is also permissible to apply for children who are over 18 years of age but who have already been included as dependants in any previous visa application and continue to be dependent on the principal applicant or his/her partner.

The following conditions must be met:

• Financial security. Dependants must prove that the principal applicant has sufficient funds to support them in the UK without applying for state aid. There are certain minimum thresholds of financial means that must be held in an account.
• Application. Each dependent must complete their own visa application. This includes completing the application form, paying the relevant fees, and providing necessary documents such as proof of relationship with the principal applicant (e.g., a marriage or child’s birth certificate).
• Language Requirements. Partners of such applicants must demonstrate a certain level of English language proficiency by submitting either the result of an appropriate language exam or another document proving language proficiency (e.g. a bachelor’s degree obtained in an English-speaking country).

It is important to note that the process of obtaining a dependant visa is very similar to that of the principal applicant, with the exception of the need to obtain approval from an approved body. Once granted, dependants can work and study in the UK without additional restrictions, making this type of visa category an attractive option for talented professionals and their families.

How can we help?

As you have seen from the article, the process of obtaining approval is quite comprehensive. There are many stages you need to pass, as well as lots of documents you need to prepare properly. The professionals from our organization are willing to help you out at each stage of the process, granting you the highest chance of being approved.

Our Immigration team is dedicated to providing the best service to our clients, which is why we are passionate about in investing in advanced technologies like talentvisa.uk for Global Talent visa applicants to improve the speed and accuracy of our advice. We are delighted to be the first such platform for Global Talent visa in the UK and cannot wait to take advantage of this amazing technology. The tool will allow us to be completely transparent and trusted by following a better tech-enabled structure to evidence our high quality of advice and immigration service we provide!
All the packages of our services will allow you to have your draft application reviewed and amended, allowing you to avoid any mistakes. Moreover, our team will provide you with all the necessary templates and information you will need during the application process. For each package we offer, you will receive calls with case updates from the experts on our team.

Step-by-step support process:

1. Initial consultation. We begin with a consultation to assess your eligibility and determine the best route for your application (endorsement or prize-based). We explain the specific requirements of the endorsing body relevant to your field and guide you on how to align your application accordingly.
2. Document preparation. We assist you in gathering and preparing all the necessary documents, including evidence of your achievements, endorsements, and professional recognition. Our team ensures that all forms are completed accurately and in compliance with the visa requirements.
3. Endorsement application. Once your documents are ready, we help you submit your endorsement application. Our experts review your draft to ensure it meets the criteria of the relevant endorsing body, significantly reducing the risk of errors.
4. Visa application submission. After obtaining your endorsement, we guide you through the visa application process. We complete the official forms, gather supplementary documents, and ensure everything is submitted in the proper format.
5. Regular case updates. Throughout the process, you will receive regular updates from our team. These updates keep you informed of your application’s progress and any additional steps required, so you never feel left in the dark.
6. Final decision. Once the UK Home Office makes a decision on your visa, we notify you immediately and provide guidance on the next steps, whether your visa is granted or if further information is needed.
7. Post-visa support. After your visa is granted, we offer advice on maintaining your visa status, as well as steps for applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after meeting the required residency period.

Why choose Sterling Law?

• Expertise. Our Immigration team has a wealth of experience in handling Global Talent Visa applications, having successfully assisted numerous individuals in obtaining their visas.
• Technology. We combine expert legal knowledge with innovative technology to deliver precise, fast, and efficient services.
• Tailored advice. Our services are fully customised to your professional background, ensuring that your application is aligned with the requirements of the UK government.
• Transparent communication. You’ll always know the status of your application, with regular updates from our team.

With Sterling Law, you’re not just applying for a visa; you’re securing a trusted partner who will guide you through the complexities of the Global Talent Visa process every step of the way.

Our recent successful cases for Global Talent:

Our team has a long list of successful cases, and we are ready to help out new global talents who wish to move to the United Kingdom. Choosing our service will not only make it easier for you to pass the procedure, but it will also maximize your chances of it being successful.

In the past 6 months, many things have changed. We were able to achieve a lot of positive results for our Global Talent clients and would be glad to share our experience with you.

Frequently Asked Questions