Global Talent visa - the UK attracts talented and promising individuals

The UK is currently facing vast recruitment challenges across all sectors of the economy. In the wake of this, the Global Talent visa aims to attract talented and promising individuals to alleviate some of the recruitment challenges in specific fields of work.

The Global Talent visa is open to applicants who are a leader or potential leader in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. This program intends to attract exceptional talent to live and work in the UK, replacing the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa category as of February 2020. This route offers potential settlement in the UK after 3 to 5 years, depending on the field of study and application process.

Typically, to be eligible for the visa, applicants must show a successful application for an endorsement that proves they are a leader or potential leader. Applicants can apply without an endorsement if you have won an eligible award. The Government has compiled the Global Talent eligible prize lists, which can be used to determine whether your award will qualify.

What are the eligible fields?

Academia or research

Within this field, you can work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in science, medicine, engineering, or humanities.

Eligibility will be dependent on an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher, a research grant as approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), an individual fellowship, or an eligible award.

Arts and culture

Within this field, you can work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts, architecture, fashion design, film and television

Digital technology

Within this field you can work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in financial technology, cyber security, gaming, or artificial intelligence

How long can I stay in the UK?

The Global Talent visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years. One of the benefits of this route is that there are no limits to how long you can stay in the UK. The only requirement is to renew your visa each time it expires.

After 3 to 5 years, depending on which field you work in and your application process, you may be eligible for indefinite leave to remain so you can settle in the UK.

What is the application process?

You must apply online. Following proof of your identity and once you have provided the relevant documentation you will receive a decision within 3 weeks if you are outside of the UK. This may be extended to within 8 weeks if you are applying from within the UK.

The visa costs £623 to apply. Another cost to bear in mind is the health surcharge, which forms part of your application. This is typically £624 for each year you plan on staying in the UK.

There are numerous benefits to this route. Usually, applicants must meet the English language requirements, however, this does not need to be satisfied by Global Talent applicants. Nor do applicants under this route need to satisfy the maintenance funds requirement.

Our specialist immigration team can guide through each stage of the visa application process, ensuring you have the relevant documentation you need to be a successful applicant under the Global Talent visa route.