What is the Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent Visa is a unique way for talented people from outside Europe to work in certain sectors in the UK. It’s for folks who are good at what they do and have the potential to become leaders in:
- Arts and Culture
- Academia or Research
- Digital Technology
The eligibility requirements to apply for a Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa is for super talented folks worldwide. To qualify:
- Have over five years of education and work experience in certain fields like science, math, engineering, or arts.
- Get a thumbs-up from a UK review body relevant to your field.
- Get three recommendation letters from your bosses.
- Get a nod from your current employer.
- Apply for endorsement from one of six endorsing bodies approved by the Home Office.
Endorsement shows you’re a leader or have the potential to be one in:
- Science
- Engineering
- Medicine
- Social sciences or humanities
- Academic and research
- Arts and Culture
- Digital Technology
- Cinema and Television
There are three ways to get endorsed:
- Senior Appointment
- Endorsed Funder
- Peer Review
Once endorsed, the Home Office decides whether to let you immigrate.
Required documents for the Global Talent Visa
Here’s what you need for the Global Talent Visa:
- Passport: Make sure it’s valid for at least six months from when you apply.
- Photo: One recent passport-size color photo of your face.
- Proof of residence: Either a copy of your National ID Card or a Utility Bill like electricity, phone, or water bill.
- Proof of profession: If you’re working, a certificate from your employer. If you’re a student, a copy of your school ID will do.
- Proof of funds: Show you can cover your expenses. This could be foreign currency equivalent to US $150 per applicant, an international credit card, or a bank statement with enough money.
- Tuberculosis Test Result: If your country is on the UK’s TB testing list, you’ll need a clear TB test result.
Global Talent Visa Application Process
“The Global Talent Path: Like Tier 1 Exceptional Talent/Promise Visa, but Easier!”
Breaking Down the Global Talent Visa Process into Two Simple Steps:
Endorsement
Step 1: Getting Endorsed
To start your Global Talent Visa journey, you need endorsement. Apply for it with the right ‘endorsing body.’
Step 2: Getting Endorsed
Next, you must get endorsed by one of these bodies. You can be seen as either a rising star (exceptional promise) or a current leader (exceptional talent). There’s also an option for research funding.
Step 3: Review and Advice
The endorsing body checks your application to decide if you’re worth endorsing. They then tell the Home Office whether to give you the nod.
Step 4: Timing Matters
While you can apply for both endorsement (Stage 1) and the main visa (Stage 2) together, it’s risky. If your endorsement is rejected, your visa is too. So, it’s safer to finish Stage 1 first.
Step 5: Moving Forward
Once you ace Stage 1, proceed to Stage 2.
Visa Application
Step 1: Applying for the Global Talent Visa Once you’ve got your endorsement, it’s time to apply for the Global Talent Visa. In this stage, the UK Home Office looks into various immigration factors.
Step 2: Evaluation Process Your Global Talent Visa application undergoes thorough scrutiny to ensure it meets immigration regulations.
Step 3: Attach Endorsement Letter We recommend that skilled migrants include a copy of their Endorsement Letter with their Global Talent Visa application form.
Charges for the Global Talent Visa
Here’s a breakdown of the fees for the Global Talent Visa:
| Type | Fees Per Individual |
|---|---|
| For Endorsement Application | £456 |
| For Visa Application | £152 |
| For Visa Application (Turkey/Macedonia) | £97 |
| Eligible Dependent Visa Cost | £608 |
| Healthcare Surcharge | Approx. £400/year |
Global Talent Visa Application Processing Time
The processing time for a Global Talent Visa application can vary. Typically, it takes around three weeks for a decision to be made on the visa application after biometrics have been submitted. However, this timeframe can vary depending on various factors such as the volume of applications, the complexity of the case, and any additional information or documentation required. It’s always a good idea to check the most up-to-date processing times on the official UK government website or consult with an immigration advisor for specific guidance.
Other Important FAQs
What are the endorsement options available for researchers and academic scholars under the Global Talent Visa category?
Different Ways to Get Endorsed for the Global Talent Visa:
1. Individual Fellowship: If you’ve received a special fellowship from prestigious organizations like the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society, or British Academy within the last year, you’re eligible for a fast-track endorsement.
2. Senior Appointments: This option is for high-level academics holding positions like professor, reader, or senior group leader in UK universities. The endorsement process is managed by respected institutions like the Royal Society, British Council, and Royal Academy of Engineering.
3. Endorsed Funder: Scholars and researchers can qualify for endorsement if their names appear in a successful grant application from a recognized UKRI approved endorsed funder. They must be affiliated with institutes listed in Annex 2 of the Global Talent Immigration Rules.
4. Peer Review: This standard endorsement route involves a thorough evaluation by respected organizations like the Royal Society, British Academy, or Royal Academy of Engineering.
What are the major benefits that the Global Talent Visa comes with?
Benefits of the UK Global Talent Visa:
No English Test: You’re exempt from taking English language tests like IELTS.
Family Inclusion: Eligible family members, including spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children under 18, can join you in the UK.
No Employment Proof: No need to show proof of employment.
Self-Employment: You can be self-employed or start a business in the UK.
Dependents’ Employment: Dependents can work in the UK.
Job Flexibility: You can change jobs, organizations, and locations without prior permission from the Home Office.
No Salary Criteria: There’s no minimum salary requirement.
Unlimited Travel: Travel to and from the UK as often as you like.
Renewable Visa: Your visa can be renewed indefinitely.
5-Year Stay: Stay and work in the UK for up to 5 years continuously.
Path to Permanent Residency: After 3 years in the UK as a leader, you can apply for Permanent Residency (Indefinite Leave to Remain).
Is Global Talent Visa different from Tier 1 Exceptional Talent/Promise Visa?
Differences Between Global Talent Visa and Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa:
Not in Point Based System (PBS): While Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa was part of the Point Based System, the Global Talent Visa isn’t.
Renaming of Competent Bodies: The bodies granting endorsement have been renamed from ‘Designated Competent Bodies’ to ‘Endorsing Bodies.’ UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has been added to this list.
Automatic Endorsement Eligibility: Global Talent Visa applicants in fields like medicine, science, humanities, and engineering can get automatic endorsement if they hold a specific fellowship, are appointed as researchers/senior academics at a UK university, or are students with a grant/award of £30,000 or more for at least 2 years.
Path to Permanent Settlement: Those endorsed in the mentioned fields can apply for permanent settlement in the UK after staying for 3 years, including any granted leave period.