The Global Talent Visa is designed for individuals who are highly recognised or a developing talent in their respective fields, including science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, arts and culture.
Each field has its own endorsing body, from which the applicant needs to obtain an endorsement prior to applying for this visa. This route contains two sub-categories: one is for those who are leaders in their field (referred to as “Exceptional Talent”) and the other is for emerging leaders (referred to as “Exceptional Promise”).
Who can get a Global Talent visa?
One particular advantage of the Global Talent route is that you are not required to satisfy an English language requirement for the initial visa. Furthermore, successful applicants under this route can come to the UK to undertake work in their respective field, either as an employee or self-employed person, without sponsorship for that particular work. This offers a greater degree of freedom as compared to other immigration routes.
How to apply for a UK Global Talent visa?
The application process for an initial Global Talent Visa involves two separate stages:
The first stage involves applying for endorsement from a Home Office approved Endorsing Body. The procedure and criteria for applying for endorsement will depend on your particular field and the criteria set out by the relevant Endorsing Body. Generally speaking, you will be required to present a detailed portfolio of your work and achievements to the Endorsing Body. Should you wish to obtain further information with regards to the requirements for acquiring endorsement in any specific field, please contact us.
Once you have successfully applied for endorsement, which will be for either Exceptional Talent or Exceptional Promise, you can then proceed to the second stage, which involves applying for the Global Talent Visa for yourself and your family members (if applicable). The second stage is usually less complex than the first stage in terms of procedure.
How long can you stay in the UK on the Global Talent visa?
The Global Talent route leads to settlement after 3 years of continuous residence in the UK (if endorsed by the Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, UKRI, or endorsed as an Exceptional Talent by Arts Council England, or Tech Nation) or 5 years of continuous residence in the UK (if endorsed as an Exceptional Promise by Arts Council England or Tech Nation), provided you satisfy all of the other relevant requirements.
Can I extend a Global Talent visa?
If you are not eligible for settlement, you will be able to extend your visa provided you still hold a valid endorsement and meet the eligibility requirements. Each extension can last from between 1 year to 5 years, and the applicant is at liberty to decide the length of leave they wish to apply for. There is no limit on the total time you can stay in the UK under the Global Talent route.
How to Apply for UK Global Talent Visa?
Gherson has a wealth of expertise in advising clients on applying for Global Talent Visas. Should you have any questions regarding your specific circumstances, please do not hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, follow us on Twitter to stay up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.