The Global Talent visa is an immigration category that is designed to attract promising and talented individuals to come and work in specific sectors in the UK. The Global Talent visa route offers more freedom to overseas workers than many other types of visa allow, but this also means that it is one of the most restrictive in terms of the eligibility criteria that applicants must fulfil to have any chance of success. Most people will not meet the requirements for a Global Talent visa – but there are many other visa routes that may be more suitable, and our specialist team can advise you on making the right choice.
Further, the UK Global Talent visa application process contains several steps, which can make it complicated and challenging to navigate successfully. Ensuring you are potentially eligible before embarking on the endorsement and application process is vital.
As such, anyone who is considering applying for a Global Talent visa to live and work in the UK must understand who can apply, and what they need to do to prove their eligibility. Here, the expert immigration solicitors at Latitude Law outline the basics of the process and explain who can apply for a Global Talent visa, and what affects their likelihood of success.
Am I eligible for a Global Talent visa application?
To be eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa, you must meet the relevant criteria, which are often restrictive. The specific criteria depend on the industry you wish to enter, but the fundamental requirement is that you are recognised as having exceptional talent or exceptional promise in your chosen field. This means that you are viewed as a leader, or that you have the potential to become a leader.
To prove this, you must receive an endorsement letter from a professional body in your industry before you make your application. There are several bodies that can provide these endorsements, including:
- Arts Council England
- Tech Nation
- The Royal Society
- The Royal Academy of Engineering
- The British Academy
Each of these organisations specifies its own endorsement criteria, and you must ensure you meet the requirements of the endorsement body that covers your desired industry before you begin the application process. For example, if you intend to work in the digital technology sector, you will need to meet the exceptional talent criteria or exceptional promise criteria as specified by Tech Nation for people in your position.
Anyone who receives an endorsement letter is then eligible to apply for the visa. While it is impossible to list every type of person who might qualify, some examples include:
- Scientists and researchers in humanities, social sciences or other academic fields
- Doctors and researchers in medicine (a different type of visa exists for healthcare workers)
- People with expertise in technology
- Engineers
- People with success in the performing arts, film, television, fashion design, or architecture
- People who have been given an eligible award
You may be asked to provide evidence of your achievements to secure an endorsement from a relevant body in your field. This might include any publications, awards, accolades or other recognition you have received for your work. A solicitor can advise you of the specific criteria that apply in your personal circumstances.
Is the Global Talent visa route right for you?
For eligible applicants, a Global Talent visa offers a number of key benefits. It does not require applicants to have a job offer in the UK in order to apply, and Global Talent visa holders can work for an employer, be self-employed, or start a business in the UK without needing to inform the Home Office about their intentions.
The visa can be issued for up to five years at a time and can be extended. It also provides a pathway to settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) in the UK, which means you can apply for citizenship after a qualifying period. Visa holders can bring family members with them as dependants, including a spouse and any children under the age of 18. All of these advantages make this visa a more attractive option than others for many overseas workers, but only for applicants who meet the criteria for both the visa itself and the relevant endorsing body.
The question of whether or not this visa is right for your needs depends on why you want to come to the UK and what you want to achieve. It is best to speak to an expert immigration solicitor with a thorough understanding of the Immigration Rules and experience representing overseas workers. The team at Latitude Law can help you to find the most suitable visa route, and support your application to give you the best chance of success.
How can we help with Global Talent visa applications?
At Latitude Law, our expert immigration solicitors have a wealth of experience in supporting visa applications by overseas workers. We understand the legal requirements in detail, which means that by discussing your circumstances thoroughly we can advise you on the most suitable visa route. This includes assessing your eligibility and talking you through the supporting documents you will need to provide along with your application.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
