Global Talent Visa: Eligibility, Requirements and Application Process

What is Global Talent Visa and Who is Eligible?

The Global Talent visa, formerly the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent route, is designed for individuals with a verifiable academic or professional background in one of the prescribed sectors. It is available to those at both early and advanced stages of their career.

Unlike traditional work or business-related routes, the Global Talent visa does not require a job offer, employer sponsorship, a minimum salary or an English language requirement. This makes it an attractive option for highly skilled individuals seeking greater flexibility.

A major requirement for the Global Talent Visa is securing endorsement from an approved endorsing body unless the applicant holds an eligible prestigious prize. Applicants must qualify as either a “leader” (exceptional talent) or a “potential leader” (exceptional promise). The nature and extent of the evidence required depends primarily on whether the applicant is applying as a “leader” or “potential leader” in their field.

Qualifying Fields 

Applicants may apply for the Global Talent visa as a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:

• Academia or research
• Arts and culture
• Digital technology

An endorsement is required within each of the above categories unless the applicant has won an eligible prize in their field.

1. Academia or Research 

This limb of the Global Talent route is further divided into four sub-categories:

1. Academic or Researcher
2. Individual Fellowship
3. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Endorsement
4. Peer Review Route  

I. Academic or Researcher 

Under this sub-category, applicants may be eligible for “fast track” endorsement if they have an eligible job offer:

• As an academic or researcher
• At an institution approved by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering or the British Academy see list of approved research institutions or the list of officially recognised universities and colleges

The job offer will need to involve responsibility for either:

1. Academic, research or innovation leadership and development
2. Directing or leading an individual or team research project or research programme of work
3. Directing or leading an individual or team innovation project or innovation programme of work

Evidential Requirements

The evidence required from applicants include:

1. A detailed job description
2. A statement of guarantee from the Director of HR confirming or the equivalent thereof, confirming:
   1. The responsibilities as listed above
   2. That the job was advertised, and an open competition was held, or where it was not, an explanation of why it was not
   3. The job title and department in which the applicant will be based
   4. That at least two references were received
   5. That at least three academic, research or innovation representatives were on the interview panel
   6. That at least one expert in the applicant’s field was on the interview panel(s), or at least one relevant expert independent of the employing institution, was consulted before the job offer was made
      
      
      

II. Individual Fellowship

Under this sub-category too, fast track endorsement is available for individuals who have held an eligible fellowship in the last five years, approved by the following:

• The Royal Society (science and medicine)
• The British Academy (humanities and social sciences)
• The Royal Academy of Engineering (engineering and technology)

Applicants may apply as leaders or potential leaders depending on the fellowship.

Evidential Requirements

The evidence required is written confirmation from an awarding body confirming that: 

1. The fellowship or award is on the approved list published by the Royal Society, British Academy and the Royal Academy of Engineering

2. The fellowship or award was peer-reviewed

3. The fellowship or award was held within the last five years preceding the application

III. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Endorsement

Applicants may apply for fast track endorsement in this sub-category if they:

• Are hosted or employed by a UK research organisation named on the UKRI list; and
• Provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award from an endorsed funder named on the UKRI published list.

There are two routes to eligibility under the UKRI Endorsement sub-category:

a. Leading on Research or a Project

In this scenario which involves leading a unique research or innovation project either independently or under acceptable supervision, applicants must:

• Hold a PhD or equivalent research experience (including clinical and industrial research)
• Have actively participated in their relevant field of research within a university, research institution or industry
• Be named on the research grant application or have their job title listed on the grant application
  
  

b. Contributing to Research 

In this scenario which involves making critical contributions to research by providing core technical or domain excellence or in developing new technologies and methodologies, applicants must:

• Hold a UK bachelor’s degree or equivalent overseas research degree or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research)
• Possess research experience within a university, research institute or industry

Evidential Requirements

If the grant or award appears on the list of UKRI approved award database, the applicant must provide the relevant link in their endorsement application. The database must confirm the grant or award:

1. Is worth at least £30,000 and covers at least two years
2. Is either a one-off funding payment or a ‘renewable’ award with regular peer review

If the grant or award is not included on the database, the applicant must provide:

1. A letter from the endorsed funder 
2. A declaration from the Director of HR or equivalent at the UKRI-approved UK research organisation confirming:
   1. That the applicant has accepted the job offer or hosting agreement
   2. The job title and department in which the applicant will be based
   3. That there is at least 1 year remaining on their employment contract or hosting agreement
   4. That they will provide critical contributions to work supported by a substantial research grant or award from an endorsed funder
   5. That they are essential to the execution of the grant or award
   6. That at least 50% of the applicant’s time will be spent working on the grant or award by the endorsed funder
   7. That a robust recruitment process has been completed where the applicant was not named on the grant application

IV. Peer Review

An applicant may apply as a leader or potential leader and peer review is done by the:

• The Royal Society
• The British Academy
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
  
  

Leader Requirements 

If applying as a leader, the applicant must show the endorsing body that they have been recognised as an exceptional talent in the field of science, engineering, humanities, social science or medicine; and must:

• Be an active researcher in a relevant field, typically in a university, research institute or in industry
• Hold  ave a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research)
  
  

Potential Leader Requirements 

If applying as a potential leader, an applicant must show the endorsing body they have been recognised as having exceptional promise in the field of science, engineering, humanities, social science or medicine; and must:

• Be an active researcher in a relevant field, typically in a university, research institute or in industry
• Have a PhD or equivalent research experience (including industrial or clinical research)
• Be at an early stage in their career.

Evidential Requirements

The evidence required includes:

1. A CV detailing career and publication history
2. A letter of personal recommendation from an eminent person resident in the UK which includes the following information:
   1. How the author knows the applicant
   2. The applicant’s achievements in the relevant field
   3. How the author considers the applicant shows exceptional talent or promise
   4. The contribution the applicant would be expected to make to UK research and innovation excellence and wider society

Additionally, if applying as a leader, the applicant must provide a letter from an additional eminent person in the applicant’s field, which includes the following:

1. A statement confirming that the author is a senior member of a reputable UK organisation concerned with research or innovation in the applicant’s field
2. How the author considers the applicant’s work to show exceptional talent
3. The contribution the applicant would be expected to make to UK research or innovation excellence and wider society
4. A statement confirming that the author’s assessment is provided on the basis of their capacity as an objective expert in their field and is an objective assessment of the applicant’s reputation in the field, notwithstanding any personal knowledge they may have of the applicant or any direct involvement they may have (or previously have had) in the applicant’s work

Application Processing Times: Academia or Research  

The application process is two-staged:

1. Application for endorsement: The application for endorsement will be made to either the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering or the British Academy depending on the discipline in question.

   Sub-category	Approx. Endorsement Decision Time
   Academic/Researcher	1 week
   Individual Fellowship	1 week
   UKRI	2 weeks
   Peer Review	5 weeks

   
   
   

2. Application for Global Talent visa: In all cases, the visa application may be submitted at the same time as the application for endorsement, or after the endorsement is confirmed.

   • 3 weeks (outside the UK)
   • 8 weeks (inside the UK)

2. Arts and Culture

Under this limb, applicants may apply as a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:

• Combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre or visual arts
• Architecture
• Fashion design
• Film and television
  

The full list of eligible arts and culture fields can be found here.

I. Combined Arts, Dance, Literature, Music , Theatre or Visual Arts 

Endorsing body: Arts Council England.

Applicants must meet the following criteria for endorsement:

• Be professionally engaged in producing outstanding performed, presented, distributed or internationally exhibited work
• Show regular professional engagement in their field in the last five years
• If applying as a leader, show a substantial track record in at least two countries
• If applying as a potential leader:
  
  • Be at an early stage in their career; and
  • Show a developing track record in one or more countries.
    

Evidential Requirements

Applicant must provide all the following :

1. A CV detailing professional arts and culture career to date
2. Three letters of recommendation supporting the Global talent application of which:
   1. Two letters of recommendation must be from well-established arts and culture organisations that the applicant has worked with in an artistic capacity, who are acknowledged as experts in the applicant’s field, and at least one of the organisations must be based in the UK
   2. The third must be from another well-established arts and culture organisation, or an individual that the applicant has worked with in an artistic capacity, who has recognised experience in the applicant’s field.
3. Additional and extensive evidence of professional activity involving international media recognition or international appearances is also required, the extent of which varies depending on whether one is applying as a leader or potential leader.

II. Architecture

Endorsing body: Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

An applicant must satisfy the above body that they have either been recognised as a leader or potential leader, in the field of architecture. Applicants must:

• Have worked regularly in the field during the last five years
• Be producing work that is published internationally and which RIBA judges to be ‘outstanding’
• Prove that their work is well known in at least two countries (if applying as a leader)

Evidential Requirements

An applicant must provide all the following:

1. A CV detailing professional architecture career to date
2. Three letters of recommendation of which:
   1. Two letters of recommendation must be from well-established, expert architecture organisations with at least one of the organisations being UK-based 
   2. The third letter of recommendation must be from another well-established architecture organisation, or an individual who is an expert in the field.
3. Additional and extensive evidence of professional activity involving international media recognition or international publications is also required, the extent of which varies depending on whether one is applying as a leader or potential leader.

III. Fashion Design 

Endorsing body: British Fashion Council.

An applicant must satisfy the above body that they have either been recognised as a leader or potential leader and must have been working regularly in the field for the last five years.

A. If applying as a leader, the applicant must be producing work that:

• Is sold or exhibited internationally on catwalk exhibitions
• The British Fashion Council judges to be ‘outstanding’
• Is well known in at least two countries

B. If applying as a potential leader, the applicant must be producing work which is:

• Sold or exhibited internationally
• Recognised by leading figures in the fashion industry

Evidential Requirements

The evidence required from applicants include all the following:

1. A CV detailing professional fashion design career to date
2. Three letters of recommendation of which:
   1. Two letters of recommendation must be from well-established fashion organisations that the applicant has worked with, with at least one being UK-based 
   2. The third letter of recommendation must be from another well-established fashion organisation, or an individual who is an expert in the applicant's field.
3. Additional and extensive evidence of professional activity involving international media recognition or international shows or sales is also required, the extent of which varies depending on whether one is applying as a leader or potential leader.
   

IV. Film and Television

Endorsing body: Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) which will judge the application on behalf of Arts Council England. 

An applicant must satisfy the endorsing body that they have been recognised as a leader in the field of film and television and show one of the following:

• That they have won at any time a “Main Award” for their work as an individual e.g. An Academy Award (Oscar), BAFTA, Golden Globe or Emmy
• A nomination for, or made a significant contribution to winning or being nominated for any of the Main Awards in the last ten years
• Have achieved a minimum of two nominations for the Main Awards for their work as an individual in the last fifteen years
• Have notable industry recognition for at least two separate productions through international distribution sales, media recognition and a specified combination of awards from Pact’s Notable Industry Recognition Awards List 

Evidential Requirements

The evidence required from applicants include all the following:

1. A CV detailing professional film and television career to date
2. Three letters of recommendation of which:
   1. Two letters of recommendation must be from well-established film and television organisations that the applicant has worked with, who are experts in the field, and at least one of the organisations must be based in the UK
   2. The third letter of recommendation must be from another well-established film and television organisation, or an individual that the applicant has worked with and who is an expert in the applicant's field.

Application Processing Times: Arts and Culture

The application process is two-staged:

1. Application for endorsement: In all cases, the application for endorsement could take approximately 8 weeks.

2. Application for Global Talent visa: In all cases, the visa application may be submitted at the same time as the application for endorsement, or after the endorsement is confirmed. 

   • 3 weeks (outside the UK)

   • 8 weeks (inside the UK)

3. Digital Technology

As with the afore-mentioned categories, an applicant may apply as a leader or potential leader under this limb of the Global Talent route as well.

Endorsing body: Tech Nation.

An applicant for endorsement in the field of digital technology must satisfy the endorsing body that they have either been recognised as a leader or potential leader in the last five years and show one of the following:

1. If a technical applicant, that they have verified expertise with the latest technologies in a specified manner; or
2. If a business applicant, that they have verified commercial, investment or product expertise in a specified manner
   

Evidential Requirements

Applying as a Leader

An applicant will need to show recognition as a leading talent in the digital technology field in the last five years and additionally, at least two of the following must be true:

1. A record of innovation as a founder or senior executive of a product-led digital technology company
2. A record of innovation having worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
3. Having contributed to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example mentoring or collaborative projects
4. Having set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company, and having made certain types of contributions in the digital technology sector
5. Having had research published or endorsed by an expert

Applying as a Potential Leader

An applicant will need to show recognition by others as being a potential talent in the digital technology field in the last five years and additionally, at least two of the following must be true:

1. Evidence of innovation as a founder of a product-led digital technology company
2. Evidence of innovation having worked in a new digital technology field or concept as an employee
3. Evidence of contribution to the digital technology sector outside of work, for example by mentoring or through collaboration
4. Evidence of having set up or worked in a product-led digital technology company and having made certain types of contributions in the digital technology sector
5. Having had research published or endorsed by an expert

Application Processing Times: Digital Technology 

The application process is two-staged:

1. Application for endorsement: The application for endorsement could take approximately 5 to 8 weeks to be determined unless it is eligible for fast track processing, in which case roughly 3 weeks. 

2. Application for Global Talent visa: The visa application may be submitted at the same time as the application for endorsement, or after the endorsement is confirmed. 

   • 3 weeks (outside the UK)

   • 8 weeks (inside the UK)

Application Fees

Fees are the same across all categories of the Global Talent Route.

• The application fee is £766.

If applying based on an endorsement, the fee is payable in two parts:

• £561 when applying for the endorsement
• £205 when applying for the visa

If applying based on an eligible prize thus avoiding the need for an endorsement, the full fee of £766 is paid at once.

Immigration Health Surcharge: £1035 per person, per year.