Global Talent Visa

Overview

A Non-UK national can apply for a Global Talent visa if they are working in a qualifying field and is also endorsed as a recognised leader or potential leader:

Qualifying Fields

The qualifying fields you need to be endorsed as a leader/potential leader are:

• academia or research
• arts and culture
• digital technology

Endorsement

You will first need to apply to the Home Office for endorsement as a leader/emerging leader in your field.  The current fee for the endorsement application is £456.

Applying for the Visa

Once you have been endorsed, you can apply for the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa. . The fee for the visa application is £152.

What Work can I undertake with this Visa?

If you qualify, this route allows you to work, change employers, or to be self-employed, without the need for further authorisation or to be sponsored for employment in a specific post.

You can :

• work as self employed/contracted/employed;
• work in any sector
• work for any employer and move between employers without any additional approval from the Home Office
• take up employment at any level

You cannot :

• work as a Doctor or Dentist in Training; or
• as a professional sportsperson/sports coach.

How Long is the Visa granted for?

You can apply for a maximum stay of 5 years and 4 months if you apply outside the UK, and 5 years if you apply inside the UK (where you are switching from an another visa).  You can also apply for an extension for a further 5 years.

Obtaining Permanent Residence

Upon reaching 3 years in the UK on an exceptional talent visa (5 years if exceptional promise), the applicant may then be eligible for Indefinite Leave to remain in the UK  (ILR). Applicants can then apply to naturalise in the UK as a British citizen after 12 months of acquiring ILR.

Switching from a different Visa

You can apply to switch to a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) Visa if you are already in the UK on one of the following visas:

• Any Tier 1 route;
• Any Tier 2 route;
• Tier 5 (Temporary Worker), if you have been sponsored in the Government Authorised Exchange sub-category in an exchange scheme for sponsored researchers;
• Start-up;
• Innovator.

How Much does the Visa Cost?

There are 2 stages to the application as mentioned above.  The Home Office fee  is currently £456 for the endorsement application (1st Stage), and £152 for the visa application (2nd Stage).

Dependants

You can apply for your family members (spouse/partner and any children under 18) to come with you.  The application fee for each dependant is £608.

Healthcare Surcharge

You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. This is currently set at £400 per year of your visa term.