UK global talent visa

The UK Global Talent Visa was introduced in the UK to cater to the ‘best and brightest’ from around the world.

The Global Talent visa gives visa holders the freedom to move between organizations, jobs, and roles. The visa program has several features that will appeal to the ‘best and brightest’ from around the world.  The visa does not specify any minimum salary threshold for the job roles like the Tier 2 visa for skilled workers does.

Candidate must be a leader or potential leader in any of the following fields

• Academia or research
• Arts and culture
• Digital technology

Candidate must be at least 18 years old

Submission process

To submit for the Global Talent Visa of the UK, a candidate must get an endorsement from one of the six endorsing bodies decided by the Home Office.

Endorsement in the field of science, medicine, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and other academic and research roles-British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Endorsement in non-academic fields such as arts and culture, or digital culture your form – Arts Council England or Tech Nation.

Once the endorsement is granted, the final immigration decision will be taken by the Home Office.

The next step is to submit for a permit at the Home Office which will consider the general grounds for acceptance or refusal and if you are already in the country, then your eligibility for the present category will be considered.

Candidates must meet the following requirements for processing the Form in the second stage:

• Proof of receiving endorsement from an endorsing body.
• Date of Form for entry clearance or leave to remain must be no later than three months after the date of issue of the endorsement letter.
• Endorsement must not have been withdrawn by an endorsing body.
• Though the form for the two stages can be submitted simultaneously, it is better to first get the endorsement first. In case endorsement does not come through, the fees paid to the home office will not be refunded.

Processing time

You will have to submit online for this permit.

Once you have submitted the requirements and identity proof, you will get the permit decision in:

• 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
• 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK

What you can do with the visa

With this permit you can work in the UK for up to five years without a sponsor. Other benefits include the flexibility to change roles and organizations or opt for self-employment. You can even start your own company or earn additional income as a consultant which need or need not relate to the field you were endorsed for.

There is no cap for permits under this category and permit  holder can renew their permit after five years.

After three years these holders can submit for UK settlement, and their family members and dependents may join them if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.