Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent Visa is a visa category that allows talented individuals to work in the UK, particularly those who are leaders or have the potential to be leaders in fields such as science, engineering, digital technology, arts, culture, fashion and architecture. This visa does not require a job offer and can lead to indefinite leave to remain. Dependent spouses and children under the age of 18 can also apply under this visa.

UK Global Talent Visa Requirements

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Letter of Endorsement or Award: Must have a letter of endorsement issued by a Home Office approved organisation or have won an award on the Prestigious Awards list.
• General Grounds for Refusal: Applications must not be refused on the basis of general grounds for refusal.
• TB Test Certificate: Must provide a valid TB certificate if required.

Endorsement Process

Most applicants will need to obtain approval from a recognised Home Office approved organisation in their field. For approval, candidates must:

• Submit a comprehensive work history,
• Submit letters of support from experts in the field.

Alternative Path: If an award listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes has been won, the approval process can be skipped and the visa application can be made directly.

Key Benefits

• Flexibility: Does not require a job offer, allows work without being tied to a specific employer.
• Language Proficiency: English language proficiency is not required for the visa application. However, English language proficiency must be demonstrated for indefinite residence.
• Financial Requirements: No financial support is required.
• Duration Option: The visa can be issued for a period of 1 to 5 years, depending on the applicant’s request.

Visa Duration and Extension

• A period of 1-5 years can be selected for the initial application.
• An unlimited number of extensions can be made.
• In the extension application, it must be proven that the income earned during the previous visa period is related to the initial approval letter or award.

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Those who have lived in the UK continuously for 5 years with a Global Talent visa can apply for indefinite leave to remain. For this:

• Immigration history and character suitability,
• English language proficiency,
• Life in the UK test, etc. requirements must be met.

UK Global Talent Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)

Global Talent visa holders who wish to apply for permanent leave to remain (ILR) in the UK must meet the following requirements:

Duration Requirement

3 Years: You can apply for ILR after 3 years of continuous residence if one of the following conditions is met:

• You have been approved by the Royal Society, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering or UKRI.
• You have been approved by Arts Council England or Tech Nation under the criteria of ‘exceptional talent’.
• You have won an award on the Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes list.

5 Years: You can apply after 5 years of continuous residence if you have been approved by Arts Council England or Tech Nation under the criteria of ‘exceptional promise’.

Continuous Residency Requirement

You must not be outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period during your permanent residence.

If you have been approved in science, engineering, medicine or humanities and have travelled abroad for research purposes related to your visa, these absences will not count towards your period. The same rule applies to spouses.

Language and Life in the UK Test

In order to apply for ILR, you must have a successful result in the English language proficiency and Life in the UK test.

Switching Visa Categories

It is possible to switch to the Global Talent visa from some categories. However, if you are in the following categories, you will need to leave the UK and apply from your home country:

• Visitor
• Short-term Student
• Parent of a Child Student
• Seasonal Worker
• Domestic Worker
• Other visas outside the Immigration Rules

Time of Application

A visa application must be made within 3 months of receiving the approval letter. Time your application according to your travel plans.

Applications can be made up to 3 months before travel.

Application Processing Time

Standard processing time: Approximately 1 month.

Expedited services: Some centres can provide a result within a week or even 24 hours.

A visa application will not be processed until the approval application is completed.

Global Talent Visa Holders’ Employment Rights

Any type of employment, freelance or voluntary work is permitted. However, they cannot work as a professional athlete or coach.

There is no requirement to work, however, if an ILR application is planned, a related field of work is required.

Family Members

A spouse, civil partner or unmarried partner can be included on the visa.

Children under the age of 18 can also be added as family members during the initial visa application.

Professional Support

Global Talent applications in the UK can be complex.Trend Visa lawyers can guide you through the process, including the approval letter application and ILR process. Contact us for more information or support.