What the Global Talent visa is
The Global Talent visa is for leaders, and potential leaders, in academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. You do not need a job offer or a sponsor. You can work for any employer, be self-employed or run your own company, and switch between them. There is no limit on extensions or on the total time you can spend in the UK. You must be 18 or over.
Two ways to apply
- With a prize. If you have won one of the prestigious prizes on the Home Office’s list, you can apply directly for the visa.
- With an endorsement. Everyone else first needs an endorsement from an approved body for their field, and then applies for the visa.
Endorsement is available in two categories. Exceptional talent is for people who are already recognised leaders in their field. Exceptional promise is for those at an earlier stage who show the potential to become leaders.
The endorsement is the hard part
Each endorsing body has its own criteria and evidence rules, and a refusal can be hard to overcome. A strong application shows recognised achievement and impact through independent evidence: references from established figures, publications and citations, funding or contracts, awards, press coverage, and a clear account of what you will do in the UK. Our job is to select and present that evidence so it meets the specific criteria in the way the body expects.
Global Talent visa fees
| Route | Fee |
|---|---|
| Prize route: visa application | £766 |
| Endorsement route: endorsement | £561 |
| Endorsement route: visa | £205 (£766 in total with the endorsement) |
| Each dependant | £766 |
| Immigration health surcharge | £1,035 a year for each person. See the health surcharge |
Length, extensions and settlement
The visa can be granted for up to five years at a time. When you extend, you choose a period of between one and five years. You may qualify for indefinite leave to remain after three or five years, depending on your field and how you applied, which makes this one of the faster routes to permanent residence.
Timing
A visa decision usually takes about three weeks from outside the UK and about eight from inside, with a faster service available for an extra fee. The endorsement itself can take considerably longer, so start it early.
Family
Your partner and children can apply as dependants and can work. Each pays the visa fee and the health surcharge. See dependant visas.
Is it the right route?
- With a job offer from a licensed sponsor and no claim to be a leader in your field, the Skilled Worker visa may suit you.
- A recent graduate of a top global university may use the High Potential Individual visa.
- Starting a business: see the Innovator Founder visa.
How we help
We assess your eligibility against the endorsing body’s criteria before you pay a fee, help you structure the evidence and references, prepare the endorsement and visa applications, and advise on settlement. A consultation is from £99.
