Global Talent Visa Lawyer

The global talent route is for people who are highly skilled in the science, humanities, engineering, research, arts and digital technology sectors. 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. From 1st January 2021, this includes those from EEA countries or Switzerland.

Your Global Talent Visa will be valid for up to five years if you apply from within the UK, or five years and four months if you apply from outside of the UK. If you have been in the UK for three years on a Global Talent Visa, you can apply for permanent residence, whereas you usually have to wait five 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 three-year settlement option whether endorsed as a talent or promise applicant.

There are usually 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 – £524
• Stage 2: Visa application – £192

We can’t state exactly how much our service will cost without first knowing your goals and needs – your legal fees will depend on the unique aspects of your case. Additional costs could also arise during the application process. When you first contact us, we will have an initial consultation to discuss your circumstances and the expected fees.

Yes, as long as you don’t have leave in one of the following routes:

• as a Visitor; or
• as a Short-term Student; or
• as a Parent of a Child Student; or
• as a Seasonal Worker; or
• as a domestic worker in a private household; or
• outside the Immigration Rules.

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, provided you applied before your visa expiry date.

A skilled worker is someone employed by a specific company to perform a specific role. The activities you can undertake in the UK under a Skilled Worker Visa are limited, and you need permission to change your job (whether you are changing your employer or changing to a new role for the same employer). Global Talent migrants have a much greater degree of freedom and can 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 meet the specifications of your endorsing body and present evidence of your achievements clearly and persuasively.

When applying for the Global Talent Visa, the following documents are typically required:

1. A valid passport or other travel identification document.
2. An endorsement letter from a recognised UK body, such as Arts Council England, The British Academy, The Royal Academy of Engineering, The Royal Society, Tech Nation, or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
3. Evidence of your awards, recognitions and significant contributions to your field, which could include media recognition, prizes or scholarly publications.
4. A copy of your tuberculosis (TB) test results, if applicable.
5. Documents showing your continuous residence in the UK, if you are applying from within the country.
6. Criminal record certificates from any country you have lived in for a total of 12 months or more, over the last ten years.

Additional documents may be required depending on your situation, which our team of solicitors can help you to identify and collate.

The Global Talent Visa application involves two stages: securing an endorsement and applying for the visa itself. The first stage – getting endorsed by an approved body – usually takes about eight weeks. Once you have your endorsement, the visa application process typically takes three weeks if you are applying from within the UK, or up to three weeks after your biometric appointment if applying from outside the UK.

It is important to note that processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Home Office at any given time. Make sure to plan accordingly and apply well in advance of when you intend to move to the UK.

Among other types of visas, we have helped countless new Global Talent Visa holders and applicants to successfully enter the UK, or to manage aspects of their visa. To learn more about how we can help you, call us today, or visit our case studies page.

Our services can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a UK resident, advise on the path to permanent settlement, and provide legal support should you wish to bring family members to the UK. We can also signpost you to trusted partners who specialise in relocation services, such as finding accommodation, schools, and healthcare services, to ensure you have a smooth transition to life in the UK.