UK Global Talent Visa

The UK Global Talent Visa is for exceptionally talented or promising individuals.

The UK Global Talent Visa is designed for exceptionally talented or promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, humanities, medicine, digital technology, and the arts. It allows highly skilled professionals to work in the UK without needing employer sponsorship, offering flexibility in employment, self-employment, and research opportunities.

What is the UK Global Talent Visa?

The UK Global Talent Visa is an immigration route for highly skilled professionals who are recognised as leaders (exceptional talent) or emerging leaders (exceptional promise) in their field.

This visa offers:

No need for employer sponsorship
Freedom to work, switch jobs, or start a business
Pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) after 3 or 5 years

Applicants must be endorsed by an approved UK body or have won an eligible prestigious award.

Who Can Apply for a UK Global Talent Visa?

To be eligible, you must:

Work in one of the eligible fields:
- Science, Engineering, Medicine, or Research
- Digital Technology
- Arts and Culture (including Film, TV, and Fashion)
Have endorsement from an approved UK body or hold a qualifying prestigious award.

Exceptional Talent vs. Exceptional Promise

Exceptional Talent – Recognised as a leader in your field.
Exceptional Promise – Recognised as an emerging leader with potential.

The endorsement process differs slightly depending on the category.

Endorsement Routes for the UK Global Talent Visa

Applicants must either:

Obtain an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body, OR
Hold a prestigious award that grants automatic qualification.

Approved Endorsing Bodies

Sector	Endorsing Body
Science, Research, and Engineering	UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
Digital Technology	Tech Nation (currently under review by the UK government)
Arts and Culture	Arts Council England
Film and TV	Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT)
Architecture	Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA)
Fashion	British Fashion Council

Applicants must provide evidence of their achievements based on the requirements of their chosen endorsing body.

Prestigious Award Route

Applicants who have won a qualifying award (e.g., a Nobel Prize, an Academy Award, or a prestigious tech award) can apply without needing an endorsement.

How Long Can You Stay on a UK Global Talent Visa?

You can apply to stay for 1 to 5 years.
You can extend the visa as many times as needed.
The visa leads to settlement (ILR) in:
- 3 years for Exceptional Talent holders.
- 5 years for Exceptional Promise holders.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a UK Global Talent Visa

You can:

Work for any employer or be self-employed.
Change jobs without notifying the Home Office.
Set up and run your own business.
Apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after 3 or 5 years.
Bring dependants (partner and children).

You cannot:

Work as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Claim public funds or benefits.

Required Documents for a UK Global Talent Visa

To apply, you must provide:

A valid passport.
Proof of endorsement OR evidence of a prestigious award.
A tuberculosis (TB) test certificate, if required for your country.
Proof of sufficient funds, if required.

Additional documents may be needed depending on the endorsing body.

How to Apply for a UK Global Talent Visa

Step 1: Get Endorsement or Qualifying Award

If you need an endorsement, apply through the relevant endorsing body.
If you have a qualifying award, proceed directly to the visa application.

Step 2: Submit Your Online Application

Apply through the official UK government website.
Pay the visa fee and Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS).

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

If eligible, you can use the UK Immigration: ID Check app.
Otherwise, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Step 4: Await a Decision

Standard processing time: 3 weeks.
Priority processing (optional): 5 working days for an extra £500.

Once granted, you can start working immediately.