Overview
You can apply for a Global Talent visa if you work in a qualifying field and have been endorsed:
- as a recognised leader (exceptional talent)
- as an emerging leader (exceptional promise)
- under the UK Research and Innovation endorsed funder option
Application process
You need to complete 2 stages to get this visa. You need to:
- apply to the Home Office for endorsement as a leader or an emerging leader in your particular field
- apply for the visa
Most people apply for endorsement first, but you can complete both applications at the same time. However, if your endorsement is refused, your visa application will also be refused and you will not get any money back for either application.
Endorsement: Eligibility
Your application will be reviewed by an organisation that's related to your qualifying field, called an 'endorsing body'.
The endorsing bodies are:
- The Royal Society, for science and medicine
- The Royal Academy of Engineering, for engineering
- The British Academy, for humanities
- Tech Nation, for digital technology
- Arts Council England, for arts and culture
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), for research applicants
If your qualifying field is fashion, architecture or film and television, Arts Council England will pass on your application for review to:
- British Fashion Council, for fashion
- Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), for architecture
- Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT), for film and television
- Tech Nation, for digital technology
- Arts Council England, for arts and culture
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), for research applicants
Endorsement: How long it takes
You'll usually get a decision within 8 weeks.
You may get a faster decision if you're a digital technology specialist and you've been accepted onto a recognised UK accelerator programme.
You may also get a faster decision if you:
- hold an approved peer-reviewed fellowship
- are a senior academic or senior researcher at a UK university, college or research institute - check with your employer whether your role is eligible
- will be hosted or employed in an approved UK research organisation and will provide critical contributions to work supported by a research grant or award from an approved endorsed funder
Visa: How long it takes
After you get your endorsement, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before you travel.
You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK.