Extension of Global Talent Visa: A Successful Case and Recommendations
Who Needs to Extend Their Visa?
The Global Talent Visa is a unique opportunity for highly skilled professionals to work and develop in the UK. However, like any visa status, it needs to be extended when the initial term expires. Extending the visa may be required in various situations:
- Short-term visa. For example, if someone initially received a visa for 1 year and decided to stay in the country for a longer period as they are not yet eligible for Settlement. Additionally, there are often situations where only dependents need to extend their visas. For instance, if the applicant was granted the Exceptional Talent category (3-year route), the main applicant can obtain permanent residency after 3 years, which is why they initially took a visa for 3 years. Dependents cannot obtain a visa for a longer period than the main applicant, and regardless of the category, they must reside in the country for 5 years to obtain permanent residency. Therefore, they will need to extend their visas for another 2 years; however, this is a simpler procedure than extending for the main applicant.
- Future planning: People who were initially unsure about their desire to stay in the UK but later decided to continue their career in the country.
- Change of circumstances: For example, a change in marital status or the need for a longer period of stay.
- Inability to obtain permanent residency: There are situations where applicants cannot obtain permanent residency, even though they have met the required residence period in the country. For example, due to exceeding the absence limit. In such cases, extending the visa and continuing to reside in the country while carefully monitoring the absence limit is a good option.
In such cases, it is crucial to submit an application for a visa extension on time to avoid issues with legal status in the country.
Requirements for Extending the Global Talent Visa
To extend a Global Talent Visa, several key requirements must be met:
- Activity in the field of endorsement: The applicant must continue to work in the field for which the visa was initially granted (science, arts, technology, etc.).
- Earnings: It is important to demonstrate that during the past period, the individual has been able to start earning in their field (there are no strict requirements regarding the amount of earnings).
- Availability of supporting documents: All documents confirming achievements and work in the given field must be presented in full.
- Letter from the endorsing body: It should be noted that the initial endorsement can be revoked; in such a case, the visa cannot be extended.
Example of a Successful Case
Let’s review a successful case of our client, which demonstrates how to approach the issue of extending a Global Talent Visa correctly.
Initial Situation:
Our client initially received a Global Talent visa for 1 year. His wife also received a visa for the same period. They decided on the short visa term because they were initially unsure if they wanted to stay in the UK for a long period.
Decision:
After the first year, the couple decided to stay in the country for a longer period and applied for a visa extension for another 4 years. However, it should be noted that the decision to take a visa for 1 year was a rather risky step. In the first year after moving, the individual must demonstrate that they meet all the requirements related to earnings and continuing work in their endorsed field. Some applicants may find it difficult to settle in the country and start actively earning in their field within 1 year.
Document Preparation:
We carefully prepared all the necessary documents and the extension application. Particular attention was paid to confirming earnings and achievements in the field for which the visa was granted. All documents were submitted in the proper order and within the established deadlines.
Result:
Within a few weeks, the client received approval for the visa extension. Now, our client and his wife can comfortably stay in the UK until 2028, continuing to do what they love without worrying about immigration status. It is important to remember that if all requirements regarding absences are met, after this period, the client can apply for permanent residency and stay in the UK permanently.
Conclusion
Extending a Global Talent Visa is a responsible step that requires careful document preparation and adherence to all established requirements. Our successful case confirms that with the right approach and professional support, the visa extension process can proceed smoothly and without complications. Contact Sterling Law for support with any immigration matters; we will be happy to assist you!
