Global Talent Visa

What is the Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa, previously called Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), is a UK immigration category aimed at exceptionally talented or exceptionally promising individuals in specific fields intending to work in the UK.

Do I qualify for the Global Talent visa?

To qualify for a Global Talent visa, you must be recognised as a leader, or emerging leader, in one of the following fields:

• digital technology
• science
• research
• engineering
• humanities
• medicine
• the arts
• fashion
• architecture
• film and television

Before applying for the Global Talent visa, you must either:

• have been awarded a qualifying Prestigious Prize, or
• have obtained an endorsement from one of the six Home Office approved endorsing bodies:
  • Arts Council England – for the arts, culture, architecture, fashion, film and television
  • British Academy – for humanities and social sciences
  • Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering
  • Royal Society – for natural sciences and medical science research
  • Tech Nation – for digital technology
  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – for science and research

Each endorsing body has their own specific eligibility requirements and process for endorsement which our team will happily advise you on. In general, you can expect your application to be assessed on one of the following criteria:

• Exceptional Talent criteria: to assess individuals who can demonstrate that they are internationally recognised at the highest level as leaders in their particular field;
• Exceptional Promise criteria: to assess individuals who, at an early stage of their careers, have already demonstrated exceptional promise and are likely to become leaders in their particular field.

How do I apply?

Once you have obtained an endorsement (or if you have been awarded a Prestigious Prize), you will be able to apply for the Global Talent visa.

If relying on an endorsement, you will need to apply for the visa within three months of obtaining the endorsement.

Applications must normally be made in your country of nationality or residence. You may also be able to apply to switch into the Global Talent category from within the UK, provided you do not hold leave as a visitor or in certain specific short-term immigration categories.

What period of leave will I be given? Can I extend my visa?

If your application is approved, you will be issued with a visa which will be valid for five years.

Before the end of this period, you can either apply to extend your visa, or, if you satisfy the requirements, apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (otherwise known as settlement).

Under the current rules, there is no maximum number of times that a Global Talent visa holder may extend their visas. To extend your visa, you will need to meet the extension criteria, which includes demonstrating that your endorsement has not been withdrawn and that you have earned money in the UK in the field related to your endorsement or prestigious prize.

What kind of activities can I undertake in the UK as a Global Talent visa holder?

As a Global Talent visa holder, you are permitted to work in the UK (including self-employment and voluntary work), except as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

You are also permitted to study in the UK, subject to certain conditions.

Can I bring my family with me?

The Global Talent visa allows you to bring with you to the UK a dependent spouse or partner and dependent children who are under the age of 18 at the time of the initial application.

How quickly can I become settled in the UK?

In most cases, you will become eligible to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK (also known as settlement) after three years’ continuous residence in the UK.

If your most recent endorsement was granted under the “Exceptional Promise” criteria by Arts Council England or Tech Nation, the qualifying period for settlement is five years.

To be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, you must demonstrate that:

• you have spent a continuous period of three or five years in the UK and during this time have not been in breach of any UK immigration laws;
• you continue to be endorsed by your endorsing body (i.e. your endorsement has not been withdrawn);
• you meet the requirements in relation to absences (you must not have been absent from the UK for more than 180 days in any continuous 12-month period during the relevant qualifying period. Note that exemptions apply to certain researchers who have spent time outside of the UK for research purposes related to their specialist field).
• you have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed the Life in the UK test; and
• during your last grant of leave, you have earned money in the UK in a field related to your endorsement or prestigious prize.

For more information about us and our personal immigration services, please contact a member of the team who can answer any questions and guide you through the process.