What is the UK Global Talent Visa?
The UK Global Talent Visa, introduced in 2020, is a flexible immigration route designed to attract exceptional professionals in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology.
It replaces the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa and offers an immigration path without requiring a job offer, minimum salary, or English language test (though endorsing bodies may set their own criteria). This visa allows successful applicants to work, be self-employed, or start a business within their field.
Benefits of UK Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa is designed for individuals who can make significant contributions to their field in the UK. It offers you:
- Flexibility: No job offer or minimum salary requirement.
- Visa Duration: Choose a visa length between 1 to 5 years.
- Path to Settlement: Eligible for indefinite leave to remain after 3 years for exceptional talents, and 5 years for promising talents.
- Employer Flexibility: Change employers without notifying the Home Office.
- Family Inclusion: Dependants can join the visa holder in the UK.
Whether you are applying from within the UK or overseas, or looking to extend or switch to a Global Talent Visa, Axis Solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way.
Who is Eligible for the UK Global Talent Visa?
Are you a recognised leader or emerging talent in academia, arts, culture, or digital technology? The UK Global Talent Visa may be the pathway for you to join the UK’s thriving innovation landscape.
To qualify for a UK Global Talent visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Age Requirement: Be at least 18 years old.
- Professional Expertise: Be recognised as a leader or potential leader in one of these fields:
- Academia or Research
- Arts and Culture
- Digital Technology
- Endorsement or Award: You must either:
- Receive an endorsement from a designated endorsing body, or
- Have won a prestigious award recognised by the UK government
Whether you are an established expert or a promising talent, this visa pathway offers a unique opportunity to work and live in the United Kingdom. Contact us for more details.
Application Process of Global Talent Visa UK
Whilst the Global Talent visa offers significant advantages, the application process requires meticulous attention to detail. Prior to submitting a visa application to the Home Office, applicants must first secure one of the following:
- Formal endorsement of their professional capabilities from a designated endorsing body
- Recognition of a prestigious prize in their field of expertise
Benefits for Employers
Hiring a holder of the Global Talent Visa avoids the need for a sponsorship licence and associated costs, offering a flexible alternative to the Skilled Worker Visa; therefore, making the visa holder more attractive to employers in various industries.
This visa route is ideal for those looking to contribute to the UK’s innovation and cultural sectors while working towards permanent residency.
- For the latest details, speak with one of our immigration solicitors at Axis Solicitors.
Which Fields are Included in Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent visa welcomes both established leaders and promising individuals across various sectors, including but not limited to:
Digital Technology
- Software development
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence
- Other cutting-edge tech areas
Arts and Culture
- Visual artists
- Musicians
- Writers
- Actors
- Other cultural professionals (Emphasis on creative excellence and innovation)
Academia and Research
- Scientists
- Humanities scholars
- Social scientists (Focus on groundbreaking research, influential publications, and positions at prestigious institutions)
Alternative Qualification: Prestigious Prizes
Applicants who have been awarded a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes may qualify without needing an endorsement letter.
Important Notes
- The exact requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances
- It is advisable to consult our immigration solicitors for expert advice on your specific situation
The UK Global Talent visa aims to attract diverse talent, fostering innovation and excellence across multiple disciplines in the United Kingdom.
Demonstrating Leadership or Potential Leadership for Global Talent visa UK
To apply for a Global Talent visa through the Home Office, you must first establish your professional credentials through one of two pathways:
- Endorsement: Obtain an endorsement from the relevant authorised body in your field.
- Industry Recognition: Receive a qualifying award listed in the Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes.
Endorsement Path
To apply for a Global Talent visa through the Home Office, you must first establish your professional credentials through one of two pathways:
If pursuing endorsement:
- You must be endorsed by a recognised body in your field.
- The endorsing body will assess and validate your credentials.
- The endorsement should confirm your status as a leader or potential leader in your area of expertise.
Industry Recognition Path
To apply for a Global Talent visa through the Home Office, you must first establish your professional credentials through one of two pathways:
If you have won a prestigious prize:
- Check if your award is listed in the Appendix Prestigious Prizes.
- These prizes are recognized by the UK government as demonstrating exceptional talent.
- Prize recipients are automatically eligible for the visa without needing additional endorsement.
Winning a listed prize can significantly expedite your Global Talent Visa application process.
- Remember, either endorsement or qualifying industry recognition is necessary to prove that you meet the required standard of professional achievement for the Global Talent visa.
Global Talent Visa Based on Endorsement
For most applicants, the application process for the Global Talent visa is in two stages. Without a prize as listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, first, you apply to be endorsed by an approved body. Only with endorsement can you proceed to apply for the actual visa from the Home Office.
The endorsing bodies are charged with assessing applications from individuals within their respective professional fields, and developing and applying sector-specific criteria and evidential requirements for applications. The relevant endorsing bodies will then make an endorsement decision based on your profile and the evidence you provide.
Global Talent Visa Endorsing Bodies
This list of endorsing bodies is subject to ongoing review, but here are the six current endorsing bodies for the Global Talent Visa.
| Global Talent – Endorsing Body | Fields of Expertise |
|---|---|
| The Royal Society | Science and Medicine |
| The Royal Academy of Engineering | Engineering |
| The British Academy | Humanities |
| UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | Science and Research |
| Tech Nation | Digital Technology |
| Arts Council England | Arts and Culture |
| Global Talent – Endorsing Body | Examples of Professions |
|---|---|
| The Royal Society | Researchers, Professors, Scientists |
| The Royal Academy of Engineering | Mechanical Engineers, Civil Engineers |
| The British Academy | Sociologists, Economists |
| UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) | Principal Investigator, Postdoctoral Researcher |
| Tech Nation | Software Engineers, Data Scientists |
| Arts Council England | Artists, Musicians, Writers |
Each body has its own endorsement criteria and process, based largely on the following:
Exceptional Talent Criteria
To assess individuals who can evidence they have already made a significant contribution as a leader to their field.
Exceptional Promise Criteria
For applicants at an early stage in their careers who have shown the potential for being a future leader and making significant contributions in their field.
Four Routes to Endorsement
There are four routes to endorsement under the Global Talent category applicable to different roles.
- Peer review – endorsement of applications by The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering or The Royal Society.
- Senior appointments – endorsement for applicants with a job offer as a professor, associate professor, reader, senior group leader or equivalent at any UK higher education institution or eligible research institute, by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and The Royal Society.
- Fellowships – endorsement for those with an individual fellowship (either current or held within the last 12 months), on the list approved by The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and Royal Society.
- Endorsed funders – a visa route for researchers who make critical contributions to work supported by grant funding from a recognised funder. Qualifying applicants will be fast-tracked to the Home Office visa application stage with minimal evidential requirements, where they meet the individual eligibility criteria. UKRI will be responsible for assessing endorsed funded applications.
Endorsements For Digital Technology
Tech Nation serves as the designated endorsing body for the digital technology sector under the Global Talent visa program. There is no cap on the number of visas granted to eligible applicants in this field.
To secure Tech Nation’s endorsement in Digital Technology, candidates must fall into one of two categories:
- Technical specialists: Individuals who can demonstrate expertise in building technological infrastructure and working with various technology stacks.
- Business leaders: Professionals who can showcase their commercial acumen, investment track record, or product expertise in developing digital products or managing investments in large-scale digital enterprises.
To apply for a Digital Technology endorsement from Tech Nation, you need to provide:
- A comprehensive CV detailing your work history and publications.
- Three letters of recommendation from distinct, well-regarded organisations in the digital technology sector.
These recommendation letters should:
- Explain how the author knows you
- Highlight your professional achievements
- Convey the author’s belief in your exceptional potential
- Describe your anticipated impact on the UK’s digital economy
Tech Nation uses this evidence to evaluate your eligibility for endorsement under the Global Talent visa scheme.
Endorsements for Exceptional Individuals in Film & Television
The UK welcomes highly skilled professionals in the film and television industries through the Global Talent visa program. There is no cap on the number of individuals who can receive endorsement under the Film and Television subcategory of the Global Talent route. Arts Council England has partnered with the Producers’ Alliance for Film and Television (PACT) to evaluate the qualifications of applicants seeking endorsement in the fields of film, television, animation, post-production, and visual effects.
It is important to note that applicants working in animation, post-production, visual effects, and film must demonstrate “exceptional talent” to secure endorsement from PACT. The organisation does not endorse candidates who show “exceptional promise” but have not yet reached the highest echelons of expertise in their respective fields. This ensures that the Global Talent visa is reserved for the most accomplished and experienced professionals in these competitive industries.
Endorsements for Outstanding Architects
The UK’s Global Talent visa offers a unique opportunity for internationally recognized architects to live and work in the country. The Architecture subcategory of the Global Talent route has no limit on the number of individuals who can receive endorsement. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), acting on behalf of Arts Council England, is responsible for assessing whether applicants are current or potential leaders in the field of architecture.
To secure an endorsement from RIBA, architects must demonstrate a history of professional employment, creating high-quality work that has garnered international recognition through publications, presentations, or exhibitions. Applicants should have consistently worked as professional architects over the past five years.
Those applying under the Exceptional Talent criteria must showcase a significant track record of achievement in multiple countries. Architects applying under the Exceptional Promise criteria, on the other hand, need to present an emerging track record of accomplishment in at least one country. This pathway allows the UK to welcome both established and rising stars in the world of architecture.
Endorsements for Science, Engineering, Humanities & Medicine
The Global Talent visa route offers unlimited endorsements for exceptional candidates in the fields of Science, Engineering, Humanities, and Medicine. Endorsement applications are assessed by the following prestigious bodies:
- The Royal Society: For applications in natural and medical sciences
- The Royal Academy of Engineering: For applications in engineering
- The British Academy: For applications in humanities and social sciences
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): For science and research applications
These organisations evaluate applicants based on their current standing as leaders in their respective fields or their potential to become future leaders. The specific endorsement requirements depend on whether the applicant is applying under the Fast Track or Full Peer Review criteria.
Fast Track Endorsement
To qualify for the Fast Track endorsement, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Hold an eligible grant or award from a recognized funding body
- Have been appointed to an eligible senior academic or research position
- Possess a prestigious prize or award in their field
Full Peer Review Endorsement
Applicants who do not meet the Fast Track criteria can apply for endorsement through the Full Peer Review process. This involves submitting a comprehensive application that demonstrates:
- Exceptional achievement in their field
- Significant contributions to their area of expertise
- International recognition and influence
- Potential to make future contributions to the UK’s research and innovation landscape
The endorsing body will conduct a thorough peer review of the application to determine the applicant’s eligibility for the Global Talent visa.
Successful endorsement under either the Fast Track or Full Peer Review criteria allows applicants to proceed with their Global Talent visa application, enabling them to live and work in the UK and contribute to its world-leading research and innovation sectors.
Endorsement in Arts & Culture
Arts Council England assesses applications for the Global Talent Visa in the fields of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, and visual arts, including those working in an artistic context in galleries and museums. To be eligible, applicants must be industry leaders or demonstrate the potential to become leaders in their respective fields.
The Global Talent route’s Arts and Culture subcategory has no restriction on the number of candidates who can be supported. To receive an Arts and Culture endorsement from Arts Council England, you must be professionally creating work of exceptional quality that has been performed, presented, distributed, or exhibited internationally.
If you are applying based on exceptional talent, you must have consistently worked as a professional practitioner in your field for the past five years and show a significant track record in more than one country. On the other hand, if you are applying based on exceptional promise, you must demonstrate a developing track record in one or more countries.
The Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Arts & Culture provides a unique opportunity for industry leaders and promising individuals to showcase their exceptional work on an international scale. Arts Council England recognizes and supports the contributions of professionals across various artistic disciplines, fostering global cultural exchange and collaboration. This visa category enables talented individuals to further their careers and make a significant impact in the world of arts and culture.
Endorsements in Fashion
The British Fashion Council (BFC), acting on behalf of Arts Council England, is responsible for assessing applicants in the fashion design sector for the Global Talent Visa. The BFC will evaluate whether the applicants are current leaders in their fields or have the potential to become future leaders.
Endorsement from the BFC is available for individuals working in key roles within the fashion industry. There is no limit to the number of candidates that can receive endorsement under the fashion sector subcategory of the Global Talent route.
To be considered for endorsement, applicants must demonstrate their exceptional skills, experience, and contributions to the fashion design sector. The BFC will review each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the applicant’s achievements, expertise, and potential impact on the industry.
Successful applicants will be granted a Global Talent Visa, which allows them to live and work in the United Kingdom for up to five years. This visa category is designed to attract and retain the world’s top talent in various fields, including fashion design.
If you are a fashion professional interested in applying for the Global Talent Visa, you can submit your application to the British Fashion Council for endorsement. The BFC will provide guidance and support throughout the application process to ensure that qualified candidates have the best chance of success.
Fast-Track Global Talent Visa For Prestigious Prize Winners
The Global Talent visa program offers a streamlined application process for individuals who have received certain distinguished awards. These accolades, recognized by Global Talent endorsing bodies as indicators of exceptional ability, are enumerated in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes of the Immigration Rules.
Named recipients of any listed prestigious prize can bypass the traditional endorsement requirements and proceed directly to the visa application phase. This expedited pathway is available regardless of when the award was granted, allowing applicants to leverage both recent and past achievements. The only stipulation is that the award must not have been rescinded.
By eliminating the need for separate endorsement, this route significantly simplifies the application process for qualified individuals. Prize winners benefit from a fast-tracked procedure, moving straight to the visa stage and potentially reducing overall processing time. This approach acknowledges the recipient’s demonstrated exceptional talent, as recognised by their prestigious award.
Fast-Track Global Talent Visa For Prestigious Prize Winners
We offer fixed-fee packages tailored to the complexity of your profile. VAT (currently 20%) is added where applicable.
| Service | Fees |
|---|---|
| Global Talent – Digital Technology (endorsement or prestigious prize) | £2,500 – £4,500 + VAT |
| Global Talent – Arts & Culture (endorsement) | £2,500 – £4,500 + VAT |
| Global Talent – Academia & Research (UKRI / learned society / peer review) | £2,500 – £4,500 + VAT |
| Stage 2 (visa application) – main applicant | £1,500 – £2,500 + VAT |
| Dependants (Stage 2 visa application) | Typically £900 + VAT each |
| Express timeline management (if available) | Add £400 – £750 + VAT |
| Document translation / ECCTIS | Charged at supplier rates (quotes provided) |
These ranges are designed to be realistic for the majority of cases. We will confirm a fixed quotation after the initial consultation, once we have reviewed your CV/portfolio and objectives.
Timescales Involved in Global Talent Visa UK
- Endorsement decisions: Typically take several weeks; processing varies by field and the completeness of evidence.
- Visa (Stage 2) standard processing: Varies by country and appointment availability; priority services may be available for an extra fee. We will confirm timelines when instructed.
What’s Not Included
The following are not included in our professional fees and will be quoted separately if required:
- Home Office/endorser fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).
- Translation/interpretation, postage/couriers, expert reports, travel, or biometric appointments.
- Appeals, administrative review, or complex litigation.
Likely Disbursements (Paid to Others)
| Government Fees | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Talent application fee (total) | £766. If applying with endorsement: £561 at Stage 1 and £205 at Stage 2. Prestigious-prize applicants pay the full £766 at the visa stage. |
| Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) | Usually £1,035 per year per adult; £776 per year for under-18s and students. |
| Priority services (if selected) | Fees vary by location; advised at the time of booking. |
| Biometrics / VAC handling | Local centre fees may apply overseas. |
| Illustration (not a quotation) | A 3-year Digital Technology applicant applying from abroad with one adult dependent may expect government charges of approximately £7,742. This includes application fees of £1,532 (£766 × 2) and IHS of £6,210 (£1,035 × 3 years × 2). Excludes professional, priority, and translation fees. |
Figures correct on 19 August 2025. These fees are subject to change and are reviewed monthly.
Required Documents for Global Talent Visa Application
When submitting your Global Talent visa application to the Home Office, it’s important to have the right documents ready.
- Identity and Nationality Proof: A valid passport or equivalent official document.
- Health Documentation: Tuberculosis test results if applicable.
- Scholarship/Award Permission (if relevant): Written approval from the awarding agency or government if you’ve received a UK study award within the last year.
- Document Translation: Certified English or Welsh translations for any documents not in these languages.
- Passport Space: Ensure a blank page in your passport for the visa stamp, especially if you’re from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, or do not have a biometric passport with an embedded chip.
- Award Verification: Evidence if the Home Office cannot confirm your award through public sources (e.g., the awarding organisation’s website).
Always verify the latest requirements with a qualified solicitor, as documentation rules may change.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Global Talent Visa?
1. Purpose of the Visa
- Designed for leaders or potential leaders in any field.
- Attracts diverse talent to foster innovation and excellence in the UK.
- Supports multiple disciplines, promoting both research and practical contributions.
2. Core Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Demonstrate leadership or potential leadership in their field.
- Must not fall under general grounds for refusal; TB certificate required if applicable.
3. Application Process
- Step 1: Obtain endorsement from an approved endorsing body.
- Step 2: Apply for the Global Talent visa.
- Ensure endorsement is valid at the time of submission.
4. Endorsement and Visa Requirements
- Obtain endorsement letter from an approved body, less than 3 months old.
- The endorsing body must not withdraw approval at any stage.
- For leave to remain, you must also meet income requirements in your field.
5. Points-Based System
- All applications require a 70-point threshold.
- Initial application: Points via prestigious prize or valid endorsement letter.
- Extensions: Points via earned income and maintaining valid endorsement or prize.
How to Apply for a Global Talent Visa UK?
1. Application Eligibility
- Can apply online from inside or outside the UK.
- Overseas applicants should use their nearest visa appointment centre.
- UK-based applicants may switch from certain visa categories (e.g., Start Up, Innovator, Skilled Worker, Student).
2. Endorsement Requirements
- Prestigious prize holders can apply immediately.
- Those seeking endorsement can apply before approval but risk rejection if denied.
- Successful endorsement triggers a three-month window for visa submission via Home Office email.
3. Endorsement Application (if applicable)
- Use the correct forms for your professional field.
- Pay all required fees for endorsement processing.
- Obtain approval from the relevant endorsing body.
4. Visa Application Process
- Submit the correct visa form and pay associated fees, including the Immigration Health Charge.
- Provide biometrics and all required documentation, including the endorsement letter.
- Meet suitability requirements and avoid refusal grounds such as immigration breaches.
5. Points and Extensions
- Initial applications: 70 points via prestigious prize or valid endorsement letter (less than 3 months old).
- Extensions: 70 points via meeting earned income requirements and maintaining valid endorsement or prize.
- Request endorsement review if refused and ensure all validity requirements are maintained.
