The Global Talent visa caters to two categories of professionals: established leaders in their fields and individuals with the potential to become such leaders.
This pathway is available for experts in diverse sectors, such as:
To apply for this visa, candidates must usually secure an endorsement from one of six designated bodies approved by the Home Office. However, those who have received an award from the Home Office’s list of Prestigious Prizes are exempt from this requirement, as their accolade already exemplifies exceptional talent.
Endorsing bodies play a pivotal role in the Global Talent visa process, evaluating candidates within their specific professional sectors by applying tailored criteria and assessing evidence submitted by applicants.
The six endorsing bodies for the Global Talent visa are:
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Royal Society
The British Academy
The Royal Academy of Engineering
Tech Nation (pending appointment of its successor)
Arts Council England
These bodies are subject to periodic reassessment.
The endorsement criteria and procedures, tailored by each body, focus on two key categories:
Exceptional Talent: for individuals with a proven track record as leaders in their field.
Exceptional Promise: for early-career individuals demonstrating the potential to become future leaders.
There are four endorsement pathways under the Global Talent category:
Peer review: used by The British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, and The Royal Society.
Senior appointments: for specific high-level academic and research roles, endorsed by The British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, and The Royal Society.
Fellowships: for individuals with eligible fellowships, current or within the past year, recognized by The British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, and Royal Society.
Endorsed funders: for key contributors to grant-funded research recognized by certain funders, with UKRI overseeing assessments and facilitating a fast-tracked visa application process for those meeting the eligibility.
For the digital technology sector, the Global Talent visa demands endorsements, which have been historically managed by Tech Nation until March 31, 2023. As Tech Nation is set to close on this date, the procedure post-closure remains to be clarified. Updates on this matter will be communicated once available.
There’s currently no cap on the number of Global Talent visas available to qualified digital technology professionals. To gain endorsement by Tech Nation, applicants must fit into one of two profiles:
Technical experts with proven skills in building tech infrastructure and working with or developing technology stacks.
Business professionals with a proven track record in the commercial, investment, or product domain, particularly in creating digital products or investment management within large digital product companies.
Tech Nation endorsements require substantial evidence. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV detailing their professional and publication history, supplemented by three letters of recommendation.
These letters should be from distinct, recognized organizations within the digital technology field. They must articulate the recommender’s relationship with the applicant, the applicant’s achievements, potential or promise, and the expected contribution to the UK’s digital economy.
Candidates within the sectors of science, engineering, humanities, and medicine may apply for the Global Talent visa without any cap on the number of endorsements.
Endorsement assessments for natural and medical sciences are carried out by the Royal Society, for engineering by the Royal Academy of Engineering, for humanities and social sciences by the British Academy, and for science and research applications by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). These bodies evaluate if applicants are current leaders or have the potential to become leaders in their respective fields.
The specific criteria applicants need to meet for endorsement will depend on whether they are applying through the Fast Track or the Full Peer Review routes. Each route has distinct requirements tailored to the applicant’s career stage and achievements.
Professionals in the field of architecture can apply for the UK’s Global Talent visa, with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), on behalf of Arts Council England, assessing applications. RIBA determines if applicants are recognized leaders or have the potential to be future leaders in architecture.
There is no limit to the number of architects that can be endorsed under the Global Talent visa’s architecture category.
Endorsement by RIBA requires candidates to be actively working as architects, creating outstanding work that has garnered international publication, exhibition, or presentation. Applicants should have a consistent professional engagement as architects over the past five years. For the Exceptional Talent criterion, a significant track record in multiple countries is necessary, while the Exceptional Promise criterion requires a growing track record in one or several countries.
For professionals in combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts, including those involved in artistic roles in galleries and museums, Arts Council England conducts the endorsement process. Candidates should be recognized as leaders in the industry or demonstrate the potential to become such leaders.
The Arts and Culture subcategory of the Global Talent route does not limit the number of endorsements available.
Eligibility for an Arts and Culture endorsement from Arts Council England requires the production of work of exceptional quality that has reached international audiences through performance, presentation, distribution, or exhibition.
To apply as someone with exceptional talent, you should have a minimum of five years of professional experience in your field and a significant international track record. For those applying with Exceptional Promise, you should be able to show a developing record of achievements in one or multiple countries.
The endorsement application must meet specific criteria. This involves using the correct application form, paying the endorsement fee, and securing an endorsement from the appropriate body in your field.
Next, ensure your visa application is valid. Use the proper form, pay all fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge, provide your biometrics, and submit necessary supporting documents, including the endorsement letter from an approved body.
To qualify for a Global Talent visa, you must not violate immigration laws or be under immigration bail to meet the suitability criteria.
Additionally, you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria by demonstrating that you are internationally recognized as a leader in your field or showing exceptional promise with potential for leadership.
Lastly, you must accumulate the necessary 70 points to be considered for the visa.
You may initiate your visa application before obtaining an endorsement, but if you do not receive the endorsement, your visa application will be denied.
Upon receiving endorsement, the Home Office will send you an email including the endorsement letter. Following this, you have a three-month window to apply for your visa.
In the event of a refusal, there may be an option to seek a review of the endorsement decision.
You can apply for the Global Talent visa from within the UK or from abroad.
For applicants outside the UK, the process involves applying for ‘entry clearance’ at the visa application center closest to your place of residence.
The Global Talent visa application fee is £623, whether applying from abroad or within the UK.
For those seeking endorsement, the fee is split into two payments: £456 for the endorsement application and £167 for the Home Office visa application.
If you are applying with a prestigious award, the entire £623 fee is payable with your visa application.
Each dependant included in the application is charged £623 as well.
In addition to these fees, applicants are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their visa. This surcharge must be paid in full at the time of application. To find more about health surcharge, download our guide here.
Can I apply for permanent settlement under this visa category?
| Applicant Category | Settlement Qualifying Period |
| Science, engineering, humanities, and medicine endorsed under “promise”, “talent”, or new endorsed funder option | Eligible after 3 years |
| Digital technology and arts and culture under “promise” criteria | Eligible after 5 years |
