Global Talent Visa Guidance

The global talent route is for people who are highly skilled in science, humanities, engineering, research, the arts and digital technology sectors. In order to be granted a global talent visa, you should be able to demonstrate that your skills will enhance the UK’s economy and/or culture. Until 1 Janury 2021 you must also be from outside the EEA or Switzerland.

Your global talent visa will be valid for up to 5 years if you apply from within the UK, or 5 years and 4 months if you apply from outside of the UK. If you have been in the UK for 3 years on a global talent visa you can apply for permanent residence, whereas you usually have to wait 5 years to apply for permanent residence on a global promise visa. However, those endorsed in the fields of science or research may qualify for the accelerated 3-year settlement option whether endorsed as a talent or promise applicant.

There are two stages to the application process, and different costs are involved depending on where you are applying from. These are detailed below:

• Stage 1: Endorsement – £456
• Stage 2: Visa application – £152, unless you’re based in Turkey or Macedonia where it’ll cost £97

Yes, in fact, you can switch to this category from other Tier 1 routes, Tier 2 and selected applicants from Tier 5.

When applying for exceptional talent status, you must provide the following:

• a valid passport or an equivalent travel identification document
• a copy of your endorsement letter
• a copy of any criminal record documents for any country you’ve lived in for in the last 10 years

You can apply to extend your visa up to 28 days before your current visa expires. You are eligible to remain within the UK until you have received confirmation of your application status providing you applied before your visa expiry date.

A skilled worker is someone employed by a specific company to perform a specific role. Their activity in the UK is limited, and they need permission to change their job (whether their employer or their role for the same employer). Global Talent migrants have a much greater degree of freedom and are able to perform any role they like within their sphere of expertise.

No, there are no specific English language requirements in this category.

If you are refused for endorsement, you may be able to apply for review or you may be able to reapply. We recommend taking advice on your endorsement application, to ensure that you are meeting the specifications of your endorsing body as well as presenting evidence of your achievements in a clear and persuasive way.