Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa is a UK immigration category for talented and promising individuals in specific sectors wishing to work in the UK. The Global Talent visa allows successful applicants to work in the UK for up to five years without a sponsor or entry requirements such as language tests and minimum salary thresholds which apply to other UK immigration categories. Benefits include being able to change roles and employ organisations without permission from the Home Office, enter self-employment, set up a spin-out company, and earn additional income from consultancy or other sources which may or may not relate to the field of research in which the applicant was endorsed. There is no cap on the number of visas granted under this visa category and applicants can choose the length of their visa, initially up to five years with the option to renew multiple times.

To be considered for entry under the Global Talent visa, applicants must gain an endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies engaged by the Home Office.

Qualifying Criteria

There are two routes available to cater for different levels of experience. Applicants must either:

Meet one of the Key criteria and two of the Qualifying “Exceptional Talent” criteria in the table below

OR

Meet one of the Key criteria and two of the Qualifying “Exceptional Promise” criteria

Application process

There are two stages to the application: endorsement application (Stage 1) and immigration application (Stage 2). Stage 1 and Stage 2 applications must be made directly to the Home Office.

Stage 1 Endorsement application

Specific application details for each of the four endorsement routes under the Global Talent category are outlined in subsequent sections.

The endorsing body that you chose will send its endorsement decision to the Home Office. You will then be notified by the Home Office about the outcome of your endorsement application. Please do not contact the endorsing body to check on progress.

Stage 2 Immigration application

If your Stage 1 application is endorsed, you can apply for a visa under Stage 2 on GOV.UK. You will need to supply a copy of your endorsement letter. The endorsing bodies are not involved in Stage 2 of the process and endorsement as part of Stage 1 is not of itself decisive as to whether a Global Talent visa will be issued.

Visa duration

The Global Talent visa can be granted for up to 5 years. Applicants can choose during application how many whole years of leave they wish to be granted.

Settlement

You may be eligible for Settlement under this visa route. The qualifying period depends on whether your visa is granted under the criteria for either Exceptional Talent (3 years) or Exceptional Promise (5 years).

Why Us

We have experienced business immigration solicitors, who provide prompt and cost-effective advice to any individual applying for Global Talent Visa from overseas or within the UK. By making an appointment with one of our business immigration solicitors, you can be assured of receiving some of the best legal advice available in the UK today.  We will assist you with all aspects of business immigration law, including applying for an initial application to extension or settlement.  If you wish to discuss, please phone our London office on 0203 909 8399 or contact us online.