The UK Global Talent visa, launched in February 2020 to replace the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, aims to attract highly skilled individuals to the UK to work without needing employer sponsorship. The application process involves two stages: obtaining an endorsement from an authorized body and then applying for the visa from the Home Office.

Endorsing Bodies

Candidates need an endorsement from one of the six authorized organizations:

  1. The Royal Society: For natural and medical sciences.
  2. Arts Council England: For arts and culture.
  3. The British Academy: For humanities and social sciences.
  4. Founders Forum Group (FF Group): For digital technology, replacing Tech Nation as of March 31, 2023.
  5. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI): For all research fields, requiring a job offer as a researcher, academic, or a grant recipient from an endorsed funder.
  6. The Royal Academy of Engineering: For engineering.

Each body has criteria for assessing whether a candidate is “exceptionally talented” or demonstrates “exceptional promise” based on their expertise.

Endorsement Process

During the endorsement stage, an endorsing body will evaluate your knowledge, skills, and accomplishments according to the “Code of Practice for Endorsing Bodies” on GOV.UK. The body will then inform the Home Office whether you qualify as an established leader or an emerging leader.

Applications for endorsement must be submitted to the Home Office via the online form: ‘Apply for Global Talent endorsement – stage 1’. This stage does not extend any current leave in the UK. The endorsement decision typically takes a few weeks, with quicker decisions possible for research, academia, or digital technology applicants meeting specific criteria.

If the endorsement is approved, you must submit your stage-2 visa application within three months of the endorsement letter. The Home Office makes the final decision on your visa application.

Costs

The Global Talent visa costs £608, split into £456 for the stage-1 endorsement application and £152 for the stage-2 visa application. If your application is based on a qualifying award, the full £608 is paid at the visa application stage.

Supporting Documents for Endorsement

The required documents depend on your field. Here are some examples:

  • Arts and Culture:
    • Three letters of recommendation from recognized experts, with at least one UK-based.
    • Evidence of recent media coverage.
    • Proof of winning or being nominated for international awards.
    • Evidence of international distribution/audiences for your work.
  • Full Peer Review Endorsement:
    • A CV showing your career publication history.
    • A recommendation letter detailing your achievements and relationship to the recommender.
    • Proof of your research qualifications and active involvement in an approved field.

Specific Requirements for Arts Council England

For endorsement in fields such as dance, music, combined arts, visual arts (excluding museums), theatre, and literature, you must:

  • Show professional involvement in high-calibre work performed or distributed internationally.
  • Provide proof of recent media recognition, international awards, and evidence of performances or exhibitions in internationally renowned venues.
  • Submit three letters of recommendation from recognized experts in your field.

Digital Technology Endorsement

Applicants must demonstrate expertise in digital technology:

  • Technical Applicants: Show knowledge of recent technologies and infrastructure.
  • Business Applicants: Demonstrate commercial investment, product expertise, or significant contributions to digital product enterprises.

Eligibility for Digital Technology Endorsement

Applicants must choose to be recognized as either:

  • A Leading Talent (exceptional skill):
    • Evidence of accomplishments beyond regular occupation.
    • Proof of innovation and contribution to the field.
  • A Rising Leader (exceptional promise):
    • Proof of potential and innovation within the digital technology sector.

Documents for Tech Nation Endorsement

Required documents include:

  • A CV.
  • Three letters of recommendation from senior members of recognized organizations in digital technology.
  • Proof of innovation.
  • Evidence of contributions to the digital technology field.

Assistance with Application

The Global Talent visa application process is complex, and expert guidance from immigration lawyers is recommended. They can assist with obtaining recommendation letters, and endorsements, and navigating the entire visa application process.

For more information or assistance with your UK Global Talent Visa application, contact our experienced team of immigration lawyers.