Global Talent Visa: Application Guide

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Anne Morris

Employer Solutions Lawyer

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Key Takeaways

  • The Global Talent Visa is a flexible work route, but the eligibility thresholds are high.
  • It caters to both ends of the career spectrum – recognised leaders and potential leaders.
  • Only those awarded a ‘prestigious prize’ or who have secured endorsement are eligible.
  • To extend or settle you need UK earnings linked to your endorsed or prize-related field.
  • ILR is after 3 years for science and research Talent or Promise and Talent in digital or arts, otherwise 5 years.
The Global Talent visa is a flexible work route, open to highly-skilled individuals in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and medicine, digital technology and arts and culture.

No job offer or sponsorship is required and work is broadly flexible within your field. However, the application process is demanding and the evidential requirements are strict. Eligibility centres on being a leader or potential leader in your field, and you either need to secure endorsement from an approved body or rely on a qualifying prestigious prize.

You may qualify for ILR after 3 or 5 years depending on your pathway and whether you were endorsed under Talent or Promise, provided you can show UK earnings linked to your endorsed or prize-related field.

For employers, hiring Global Talent workers does not require sponsorship, removing the financial and administrative burdens that come with sponsored visas.

In this guide, we explain the eligibility and procedural requirements that Global Talent visa applicants need to meet, to help you approach your application fully informed and with confidence.

SECTION GUIDE

 

Section A: What is the Global Talent Visa?

 

Replacing the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa in 2020, the Global Talent route was designed to attract talented and promising professionals in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and medicine, digital technology and arts and culture to work in the UK.

The UK’s Global Talent visa is for individuals at either established or early stages of their career in academia, research, science, digital technology, or arts and culture to come to the UK under attractive visa conditions.

As a more flexible immigration option than other UK work visas, the Global Talent visa does not require a job offer or employer sponsorship and does not place restrictions on the type of work you can do within your field.

The Global Talent visa also offers fast-tracked settlement in the UK for eligible individuals. With settlement, you are on the path to naturalisation as a British citizen.

Before you can apply to the Home Office for the visa, you first need to either secure formal endorsement for your professional capabilities or have received a ‘prestigious prize’ for work in your field.

While the requirements are notably less extensive than those of other work visas under the UK’s points-based immigration system, applicants still have to meet a number of eligibility requirements. In most cases, applicants will need to be endorsed, unless they hold an award listed in ‘Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes’. In those cases, the endorsement requirement is waived and they can apply straightaway.

There is no minimum salary threshold or English language test for the Global Talent route at either the initial visa or extension stages. An English language requirement applies only when applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain at B1 CEFR or higher, unless exempt.

 

1. What does the Global Talent Visa allow?

 

Applicants do not need a job offer to qualify. They can take up paid employment, work as self-employed, or become a company director, provided the work relates to the field for which they have been endorsed. Studying is also permitted, subject to the Academic Technology Approval Scheme conditions.

If a visa holder changes employers or jobs, they do not need to notify the Home Office, unlike under the Skilled Worker visa. However, UKRI endorsed-funder organisations still have to report project changes to UKRI under grant-monitoring rules. This is a grant-monitoring obligation to UKRI, not an immigration reporting duty to the Home Office.

For employers, the Global Talent route offers a flexible and less onerous alternative to the Skilled Worker visa. It does not require sponsorship, and organisations hiring under this route avoid paying sponsorship costs such as the Immigration Skills Charge.

The Global Talent visa therefore offers significant work flexibility. Visa holders can work for any employer, be self-employed, or establish their own business. The route also provides a pathway to long-term settlement and stability in the UK. You are not permitted to work as a professional sportsperson or coach and you are not permitted to access public funds.

Applicants can apply for visas lasting between one year and five years, in full-year increments. The Global Talent visa can also lead to Indefinite Leave to Remain. Three-year ILR is available to applicants endorsed, or applying via the prize route, in science, engineering, humanities or medicine whether under Talent or Promise, and all Talent cases in Digital Technology and Arts & Culture. Five-year ILR applies to Promise cases in Digital Technology and Arts & Culture.

 

2. Family Members and Dependants

 

Qualifying dependants can accompany Global Talent participants. Spouses, partners and children under 18 can apply as dependants, and they may work in almost any role except as a professional sportsperson or coach. Dependants are granted permission in line with the main applicant. Their leave ends on the same date as the main visa holder’s.

Opportunities for family members to join the visa holder further strengthen its appeal, making it a highly attractive option for professionals seeking to advance their careers and lives in the UK.

 

 

ActivityAllowed on Global TalentNotes
Paid employment with any UK employerYesKeep your role within the endorsed or prize-related field to support extension and ILR earnings rules.
Self-employment / freelance workYesMaintain clear accounts and invoices that link income to your field.
Be a director of a UK companyYesThe company can be your own. Activities should relate to your field.
Start or run a businessYesPermitted where business activity relates to your field. Keep evidence of earnings.
Change employer or jobYesNo need to notify the Home Office. UKRI grant changes are reported to UKRI under grant monitoring, not to the Home Office.
Work outside your endorsed or prize-related fieldNot advisedNot expressly prohibited, but weak linkage risks problems at extension or ILR. Ensure sufficient earnings in your field.
Study in the UKYes (conditional)ATAS may be required for certain courses and subjects.
Volunteering / charity workYesUnpaid roles are allowed alongside paid work or study.
Work as a professional sportsperson or coachNoProhibited for main applicants and dependants.
Access public funds (state benefits)NoCondition of stay includes no recourse to public funds.
Bring a partner and children under 18YesDependants can work in most roles except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Travel abroad and re-enter the UKYesKeep your visa and eVisa details valid. For ILR planning, watch the 180-day rule with limited research concessions.

 

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

What the Global Talent visa saves on sponsorship admin, it makes up for with the visa application. It’s an evidence-intensive process, strictly applied. If the endorsement or qualifying prize criteria are not met to the letter, don’t apply, consider an alternative instead.

 

 

 

Section B: Global Talent Visa Eligibility Requirements

 

Global Talent visa applicants need to be aged 18 or over, and be able to demonstrate that they are leaders or potential leaders in their field.

 

1. Qualifying Fields

 

The Global Talent route is open both to established talent (individuals who can demonstrate they are already leaders in their respective field) as well as applicants showing ‘promise’ and potential to become leaders in their field.

The Global Talent visa is available across several specialist pathways, reflecting the diverse expertise the UK seeks to attract:

 

a. Science, Engineering, Humanities, Social Sciences and Medicine: researchers and academics leading or contributing to cutting-edge work in universities, research institutes or industry.

 

b. Digital Technology: technical and commercial innovators in areas such as software engineering, artificial intelligence, cyber-security, data science and product development.

 

c. Arts & Culture: recognised practitioners in visual and performing arts, literature, museums and galleries, together with dedicated sub-routes for Architecture, Fashion Design, and Film, Television, Animation and Visual Effects assessed by Arts Council partners.

 

 

2. Demonstrating Leadership or Potential Leadership

 

Importantly, before you can apply to the Home Office for a Global Talent visa, you need to either obtain endorsement from the relevant authorised endorsing body, or have been awarded qualifying industry recognition, as listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, to prove that you meet the necessary standard of professional achievement.

If relying on endorsement, applicants need to be endorsed by a recognised body in their field, which confirms their status as leaders or potential leaders. The endorsement bodies are responsible for assessing and validating the credentials of applicants within their respective specialist fields.

You may be able to bypass the endorsement stage if you have been awarded a prize as listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes. This is a list of awards recognised by the UK government as demonstrating exceptional talent that meets the requirements of the Global Talent visa. These prizes are considered so prestigious that recipients are automatically eligible for the visa without needing endorsement from one of the endorsing bodies. The list is subject to change, and applicants should check the current version of Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes when making their application.

If you have won one of these prizes, you can use this information to support your Global Talent visa application, which can significantly expedite the process.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

“Outstanding”, “excellent” and “leading” may describe your ability, but the key test for the Global Talent visa is “eligible”.Endorsing bodies will be looking for leadership or clear potential, depending on your application level, and in all cases, this has to be backed by credible, independent recognition. Internal performance reviews or a local market profile won’t cut it.

Your evidence needs to sing. Be thorough in your CV and portfolio, and include objective external validation from authoritative sources.

 

 

 

Section C: Global Talent Visa Based on Endorsement

 

For most applicants, the application process for the Global Talent visa is in two stages. Without a prize as listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, first, you apply to be endorsed by an approved body. Only with endorsement can you proceed to apply for the actual visa from the Home Office.

The endorsing bodies are charged with assessing applications from individuals within their respective professional fields, and developing and applying sector-specific criteria and evidential requirements for applications. The relevant endorsing bodies will then make an endorsement decision based on your profile and the evidence you provide.

The Global Talent visa endorsing bodies are:

 

Endorsing BodyMain Field(s) of ExpertiseExample Professions / Roles
The Royal SocietyNatural & Medical SciencesResearchers, Professors, Laboratory Scientists
The Royal Academy of EngineeringEngineeringCivil, Mechanical & Systems Engineers
The British AcademyHumanities & Social SciencesHistorians, Sociologists, Economists
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)Science & Research FundingPrincipal Investigators, Post-doctoral Researchers
Tech NationDigital TechnologyDigital technology endorsements are now submitted solely via the GOV.UK Stage 1 endorsement form (from 4 August 2025). Tech Nation remains the endorsing body under the new contract.
Arts Council England (ACE)Arts & CultureArtists, Musicians, Writers, Performers, Architects, Fashion Designers, Film & TV Creatives

 

This list of endorsing bodies is subject to ongoing review.

Each body has its own endorsement criteria and process, based largely on the following:

 

a. Exceptional Talent criteria: to assess individuals who can evidence they have already made a significant contribution as a leader to their field.

b. Exceptional Promise criteria: for applicants at an early stage in their careers who have shown the potential for being a future leader and making significant contributions in their field.

 

There are four routes to endorsement under the Global Talent category applicable to applicants in the science, engineering, humanities and medicine pathway assessed by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI):

 

a. Peer review – endorsement of applications by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering or the Royal Society.

b. Senior appointments – endorsement for applicants with a job offer as a professor, associate professor, reader, senior group leader or equivalent at any UK higher education institution or eligible research institute, by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society.

c. Fellowships – endorsement for those with an individual fellowship (either current or held within the last five years), on the list approved by the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Royal Society.

d. Endorsed funders – a visa route for researchers who make significant contributions to work supported by grant funding from a recognised funder. Qualifying applicants will be fast tracked to the Home Office visa application stage with minimal evidential requirements, where they meet the individual eligibility criteria. UKRI will be responsible for assessing endorsed funder applications.

 

Digital Technology, Arts & Culture, Architecture, Fashion and Film/TV follow separate criteria.

 

 

PathwayCore evidenceRecommendation lettersTypical portfolio items
Science, engineering, humanities, social sciences, medicineSelect one route: peer review, senior appointment, eligible fellowship or UKRI endorsed funder. Strong CV, publications, citations, prizes, grants. Clear leadership or promise in the field.2–3 detailed references from senior peers at different organisations. Independent of the applicant’s current line management where possible.ORCID or Google Scholar, key papers, patents, invited talks, grant awards, impact case studies, press.
Digital technologyEvidence of leading product-led tech work. Either technical track or business track. Show impact, scale, innovation and your personal contribution.Three letters from senior individuals at three different recognised organisations explaining relationship, achievements and expected UK impact.Product URLs, user or revenue metrics, app store analytics, GitHub or code samples, investment rounds, press, awards.
Arts & culture (incl. architecture, fashion, film and TV)Sustained professional practice with international recognition. For sub-routes, follow partner criteria. ScreenSkills accepts Talent only for animation, post and VFX.Three letters from established institutions or eminent figures describing status, achievements and significance.Exhibition catalogues, reviews, festival programmes, touring records, IMDb or BFI credits, lookbooks, catwalk shows, press, awards.

 

 

1. Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Digital Technology

 

Tech Nation acts as the sole endorsing body for the digital technology pathway of the Global Talent visa.

From 4 August 2025, the Tech Nation application form has been permanently withdrawn. Applicants now only need to complete the single GOV.UK Stage 1 form, which captures all information required for the digital technology pathway.

Endorsement in the field of Digital Technology must either be:

 

a. Technical: an applicant with technical skills who can establish their proficiency in creating technological infrastructure and constructing, utilising or exploiting technology stacks.

 

b. Business: a candidate for a business position who can offer evidence of their demonstrated commercial, investment or product competence in creating digital products or managing investments in big digital product enterprises.

 

The endorsing body requires proof to qualify for endorsement. For example, you should provide a CV that details your work and publishing history, as well as three letters of recommendation with your application for a Digital Technology endorsement.

The letters of recommendation need to come from three different, reputable organisations that are recognised as authorities in the field of digital technology. They need to demonstrate how the author knows you, your successes in your profession, how the author feels that you show remarkable potential or promise and the impact you will make to the UK digital economy.

Under current rules, there is no restriction on the number of Global Talent visas that can be issued to eligible applicants within this sector.

 

2. Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Film & Television

 

Talented people in the areas of cinema and television who want to work in the UK may be eligible under the Global Talent visa route. The number of candidates who can be endorsed under the Global Talent route’s Film and Television subcategory is unlimited.

The Producers’ Alliance for Film and Television (PACT) will assess applicants’ eligibility for endorsement for film and television performers and producers, while ScreenSkills judges animation, post-production and VFX.

Note that ScreenSkills accepts “Exceptional Talent” only, there is no “Promise” route for animation, post-production and VFX.

 

3. Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Architecture

 

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (on behalf of Arts Council England) will determine whether applicants are industry leaders or have the potential to be leaders in their fields.

The number of candidates that can be supported under the Global Talent route’s Architecture subcategory has no cap.

To be endorsed by the Royal Institute of British Architects you need to be professionally employed as an architect generating work of excellent quality which has been published, presented or exhibited abroad.

You need to have been regularly engaged as a professional architect in the last 5 years and be able to show a substantial track record in more than one country if applying under Exceptional Talent criteria or a developing track record in one or more countries if applying under Exceptional Promise criteria.

 

4. Visa Endorsement in Science, Engineering, Humanities & Medicine

 

There is no limit to the number of candidates who can be endorsed under the Global Talent route’s subcategory of Science, Engineering, Humanities and Medicine.

The Royal Society for applications in natural and medical sciences, the Royal Academy of Engineering for applications in engineering, the British Academy for applications in humanities and social sciences, or UK Research and Innovation will determine whether applicants are leaders in their fields or have the potential to be leaders for science and research applications.

Whether you are applying under the Fast Track or Full Peer Review criteria will determine what requirements you need to meet for endorsement.

 

5. Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Arts & Culture

 

Applications in the fields of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre and visual arts are assessed by Arts Council England, including those working in an artistic context in galleries and museums. Applicants need to be industry leaders or have the potential to be leaders.

There is no restriction on the number of candidates who can be supported under the Global Talent route’s Arts and Culture subcategory.

You need to be professionally creating work of exceptional quality that has been performed, presented, distributed or exhibited abroad in order to be eligible for an Arts and Culture endorsement from Arts Council England.

If you are applying on the basis of Exceptional Talent, you need to have consistently worked as a professional practitioner in your area for the last five years and be able to demonstrate a significant track record in more than one nation or a developing track record in one or more countries if applying on the basis of Exceptional Promise.

 

6. Global Talent Visa Endorsement in Fashion

 

The British Fashion Council, on behalf of Arts Council England, will consider whether applicants are leaders in their fields currently or have the potential to become leaders.

The British Fashion Council can endorse applications from people working in the fashion design sector who play key roles in the industry.

The number of candidates that can be endorsed under the Global Talent route’s fashion sector subcategory is unlimited.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Depending on the field, different requirements will apply. Picking the wrong pathway wastes time and money. For example, in science and research, map the candidate to peer review, senior appointment, fellowship or endorsed funder, then collect evidence that mirrors that route’s checklist. In digital, you’ll need to either choose the technical or business track and prove personal contribution, scale and impact rather than team headlines. Arts, architecture and fashion will expect credible public outputs and expert testimonies.

Don’t use generic documents or language. They’re red flags. Letters should be detailed, specific and independent.

 

 

 

Section D: Global Talent Visa Based on Prestigious Prizes

 

Global Talent applications are also open to individuals who hold one of the prestigious prizes listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes of the Immigration Rules. These prizes have been identified by the Global Talent endorsing bodies as demonstrating exceptional talent.

If you are the named recipient of one of the qualifying prestigious prizes, you are eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa without the need to obtain endorsement.

This provides a fast-tracked application process because you are exempt from securing endorsement and can proceed straight to the visa application stage.

There is no time limit on when the prize was awarded, provided the award has not been withdrawn.

To qualify, you need to be named on the official award citation. Team-wide or institutional prizes do not qualify unless the individual is specifically named.

While the Home Office confirms there is no time limit on when the prize was won, the prize cannot have been withdrawn and needs to still appear on the current Appendix when the visa decision is made. If UKVI cannot verify the win from publicly available sources, you may be asked to supply evidence.

Read our detailed guide to Appendix Global Talent here >>

 

 

Prize bodyProof requiredName on citation neededPublic verification sourceTeam award eligible
Any body listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious PrizesOfficial award citation or certificate, copy of announcement, date of awardYesOfficial prize website page showing you as a winnerN/A
Any body listed in Appendix, team award with named individualsOfficial citation naming you as a winner, link to the team award pageYesOfficial prize website team listing with named individualsYes, if you are individually named
Any body listed in Appendix, team award without named individualsNot sufficient, no individual naming on citationNoTeam name only on prize websiteNo
Any body listed in Appendix, award not easily verifiable onlineCertified copy of certificate or letter from awarding body confirming the winYesUpload scans and provide contact details for the awarding bodyOnly if you are individually named
Prize formerly listed but not on the current Appendix at decisionN/AN/AN/ANo
Prize withdrawn or rescinded by the awarding bodyN/AN/AWithdrawal notice from awarding bodyNo
Nomination or shortlist onlyNot sufficient for the prize routeN/ANominee or shortlist pageNo
Joint award with multiple named winnersOfficial citation listing all named winners including youYesOfficial prize website with all named winnersYes, for each named winner

 

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

The Appendix is subject to change so be sure you are working to the current version from the .gov website at the time you apply. Also – older awards may qualify, but a withdrawn or rebranded prize doesn’t. Don’t assume – check the current Appendix list.

The prize route is more straightforward than endorsement, but it’s not foolproof. Delays can come when UKVI can’t verify the win, so have your evidence ready to go (verification links, certificates, dated screenshots etc).

 

 

 

Section E: How to Apply for a Global Talent Visa

 

Global Talent visa applications are made online, either from overseas under the entry clearance process or from within the UK under the switching process.

 

1. Global Talent Visa Application Process

 

If you are outside the UK, you can apply for entry clearance at the nearest visa application centre in your country of residence.

If you are in the UK, switching into Global Talent is generally permitted. You cannot switch if you hold permission as a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, if you are on immigration bail, or if you have permission outside the Immigration Rules.

If you are relying on a prestigious prize, you can complete the online visa application straightaway.

If you are relying on endorsement, it is possible to submit your visa application before the endorsement decision, but if endorsement is refused the visa will also be refused. Once endorsed, you will receive an email with the endorsement letter and you then have three months to submit your visa application. The three months runs from the letter date to the visa-application submission date, not the payment date.

If an endorsement is refused, you may be able to request an endorsement review.

The endorsement application needs to meet the validity requirements, including using the correct form, paying the endorsement fee and obtaining endorsement from the relevant body in the relevant professional field.

The visa application also needs to be valid. You need to use the correct form, pay all relevant fees including the Immigration Health Surcharge, submit any required biometrics and submit all required supporting documentation including the endorsement letter issued by an approved endorsing body.

To be granted a Global Talent visa, you need to meet suitability requirements and not be refused for reasons such as breaching immigration laws or being on immigration bail.

You also need to meet the eligibility requirements, meaning you either hold a valid endorsement or you are a named recipient of a qualifying prestigious prize.

Although the Global Talent route is part of the points-based system, applicants do not calculate points. The Home Office allocates the full 70 points once it confirms either a valid endorsement letter issued within the last three months and not withdrawn or evidence that the applicant has won a qualifying prestigious prize. No further scoring exercise is required.

 

Application typeHow the automatic 70 points are secured
Initial Global Talent visaThe applicant either holds a prize listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes or submits a valid endorsement letter issued by an approved endorsing body. An endorsement is valid if it is dated no more than three months before the visa application and has not been withdrawn.
Global Talent visa extensionThe applicant proves that they earned money in the UK during their previous grant of leave from work directly related to their endorsed field, and the original endorsement remains in force and has not been withdrawn, or the prestigious prize relied upon for the first grant of leave has not been withdrawn.

 

 

2. Global Talent Visa Supporting Documents

 

As part of your Home Office application, you will need to submit:

 

a. A valid passport or another document confirming your identity and nationality.

 

b. Tuberculosis test results if you are resident in a country on the Home Office list for six months or longer before application.

 

c. If you have received an award or scholarship to study in the UK within the past year, written permission to apply from the agency or government that awarded it.

 

If any documents are not in English or Welsh, provide a certified translation.

You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you are from outside the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, or from those countries but do not have a biometric passport with an embedded chip.

If you have received an eligible award, the Home Office will run an automatic database check. If a prize is not verifiable electronically, you will need to submit proof.

 

3. Global Talent Visa Application Fees

 

It costs £766 to apply for the Global Talent visa, whether you apply from overseas or in the UK.

Applicants applying based on endorsement pay in two parts: £561 when applying for endorsement and £205 when applying to the Home Office for the visa.

Applicants applying based on a prestigious prize pay the full £766 with the visa application.

Dependant applications cost £766 each.

 

Type of applicationFee
Endorsement application£561
Visa application (after endorsement)£205
Visa application (prestigious prize route)£766
Dependant application£766

 

Applicants also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of leave. The current rates are £1,035 per adult year and £776 per year for children under 18 and students. The full surcharge is paid at application. Because Global Talent applicants choose leave in whole-year increments up to five years, they pay the surcharge only for the period requested.

 

Read our full guide to the Immigration Health Surcharge here >>

 

4. Global Talent Visa Processing Times

 

The endorsement stage typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, although timings vary by endorsing body. Visa processing usually takes around 3 weeks for applications made outside the UK and around 8 weeks for applications made inside the UK.

Faster processing may be available for an additional fee through priority service, with a decision in 5 working days, or super priority service, with a decision the next working day. Availability depends on your application location.

You can read our comprehensive guide to UK visa processing times here >>

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Switching to the Global Talent route is only possible under some categories. Visitors, Short-term Students and several other categories will only be able to apply from overseas, while Student visa holders can only switch after they’ve completed their course or after 24 months of full-time PhD study. So it’s important to confirm your status in your specific circumstances before applying, and certainly before making concrete plans based on the visa.

It’s also highly advisable to secure endorsement before making the visa application, unless of course you qualify via a prestigious prize. If your endorsement is refused or delayed, an in-progress visa application is going to be refused.

 

 

 

Section F: Stay in the UK

 

Global Talent permission can be granted in whole-year increments up to five years. Ongoing stay depends on continuing to meet the route’s requirements, including the earnings rule at extension and settlement, continuous residence, and the general suitability rules. The conditions remain in place throughout, including no access to public funds and no work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

 

1. Global Talent Visa Extensions

 

It is also possible to apply to extend your Global Talent visa, provided you remain eligible. You can choose to apply for leave in whole year increments of up to five years.

For extension applications, the same 70 points are granted as under the initial application, provided the endorsement (or prize) remains valid and the applicant shows they have earned money in the UK from work linked to the endorsed field during their current grant of leave, or in a field related to the subject of the prize where the prize route was used.

Earned money can be salary, dividends, royalties or self-employed profits but needs to relate to the endorsed field and be earned during the most recent grant of leave.

If your endorsement has been withdrawn, you are required to make a completely new application.

Existing Tier 1 Exceptional Talent leave holders are also able to apply to extend their visa under the Global Talent category. Tier 1 Exceptional Talent holders are able to apply for UK settlement without having to switch to the Global Talent category.

 

2. Global Talent Visa to ILR

 

Global Talent visa holders can become eligible to apply for UK ILR, provided they meet all of the ILR requirements, such as passing the Life in the UK Test and meeting English at B1 unless exempt, plus satisfy the general good-character test. At the point of applying for settlement you need to hold, or to have last held, permission on the Global Talent route.

Global Talent visa holders can become eligible to apply for UK settlement after either 3 or 5 years:

 

Global Talent endorsement categorySettlement qualifying period
Science, Engineering, Humanities and Medicine applicants (including UKRI Endorsed Funder route) endorsed under Talent or Promise criteria3 years
Digital Technology and Arts & Culture applicants endorsed under Talent criteria3 years
Digital Technology and Arts & Culture applicants endorsed under Promise criteria5 years

 

A further advantage of the Global Talent visa over other work visa categories is that time spent in the UK under certain other immigration categories can count towards your residence requirement for ILR. If you have been in the UK with lawful status under any of the following visas, you are able to include that period of leave within your qualifying residence:

 

a. Any Tier 1 visa except Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

b. Skilled Worker (including previous Tier 2 General)

c. Scale-up Worker

d. T2 Minister of Religion

e. International Sportsperson

f. Innovator Founder

g. Representative of an Overseas Business

 

The general absence rule for UK ILR limits time spent outside the United Kingdom to 180 days in any 12-month period during the qualifying residence. Global Talent applicants may disregard certain absences when counting those 180 days, but only in narrowly defined circumstances. The concession applies only to days spent overseas for the purpose of research by applicants who were either endorsed by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy or UK Research and Innovation, or granted their visa on the basis of an eligible prize in the science, engineering, humanities or medicine pathway.

The absence concession does not cover Digital Technology or Arts & Culture endorsements, nor does it cover trips for commercial conferences, routine teaching, consultancy or any activity unrelated to the endorsed research. These types of non-qualifying travel are still counted toward the 180-day limit.

When applying for ILR you also need to show that you earned money in the UK during your most recent grant of Global Talent leave from work directly linked to your endorsement field, or in a field related to the subject of your prize if your initial grant was based on a prestigious prize. The income can be from employment, self-employment, dividends or royalties. While it does not need to cover the entire period of leave, it needs to fall within the current grant.

Provided the original endorsement has not been withdrawn, Global Talent visa holders normally do not need a fresh endorsement for either an extension or a settlement application.

 

Read our comprehensive guide to Indefinite Leave to Remain here >>

 

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

A common issue with extension applications is relying on earnings that do not relate to the visa holder’s field. Earnings have to come from the endorsed or prize-related field, or they can’t be used for a visa extension. You’ll need records and documents to prove the connection.

On the ILR pathway, we often see problems due to absences. The 180-day absence rule is strictly enforced, and the concession for research absences is narrow. Plan the route to settlement early to be certain all of the requirements are met.

 

 

 

Section G: Employer Guidance – Hiring Global Talent Workers

 

The Global Talent route can simplify recruitment for high performers while reducing immigration overhead for employers. There is no sponsor licence, no Certificate of Sponsorship, no Immigration Skills Charge and no need to manage SMS reporting. Workers have broad permission to work within their field, which supports agile hiring and internal moves. The points below set out the practical benefits and the areas an employer should plan for.

Hiring under Global Talent removes the sponsor licence process and its ongoing management. There is no Immigration Skills Charge and no defined salary threshold tied to visa eligibility. Employers can still choose to contribute to the applicant’s fees as a talent incentive, but immigration overheads are materially lighter than under sponsorship.

Because there is no sponsorship step, timelines depend on endorsement or prize evidence and the visa decision only. Once in the UK, employees can change roles or teams without seeking Home Office approval, provided their work remains within the endorsed or prize-related field. This supports rapid redeployment to priority projects.

Standard right to work checks apply on or before day one. Use the share code and the online service for eVisa holders and diary a follow-up check before permission expires if the grant is time limited. Keep clear records of the check outcome and visa expiry to maintain a statutory excuse.

Although the route is flexible, future extensions and settlement rely on the worker showing UK earnings linked to their endorsed field or prize. Draft job descriptions and objectives that align to the field and keep evidence of outputs and impact. Avoid moving the employee into roles that are unrelated to their field without reviewing immigration implications for the worker.

Global Talent does not tie the worker to a sponsoring employer. Build retention levers early, such as progression plans, learning budgets and long-term incentives. Map ILR timelines, which may be three years for many science and research cases and Talent cases in digital or arts, or five years for Promise in digital or arts. Plan cover for ILR application windows and any travel limits during that time.

Where a hire is on a UKRI endorsed funder pathway, project changes are reported to UKRI under grant-monitoring rules. This is separate from immigration reporting and does not create sponsor duties. Keep grant documents, award letters and change approvals together with HR files so auditors can reconcile grant conditions with the employee’s duties.

Global Talent permits employment, self-employment and directorships. If engaging as a contractor, assess employment status and any tax implications under your usual processes. Where the individual is your employee, ensure National Minimum Wage compliance, holiday and other statutory rights are applied in the normal way.

Consider Skilled Worker where the candidate cannot meet endorsement standards or where the role is far outside the candidate’s Global Talent field. Sponsorship ties the visa to your organisation and may support retention where the labour market is competitive. Keep a fallback plan and timelines ready in case an endorsement is refused.

 

 

DavidsonMorris Strategic Insight

 

Employers can find the Global Talent visa appealing as a recruitment option because there’s no sponsorship involved – no licence application, no ongoing compliance duties and no Immigration Skills Charge.
However, sponsorship does support retention, since a Skilled Worker’s permission is linked to the sponsoring employer and a move usually needs a new sponsor and application. Global Talent is different: the employee isn’t tied to you and can change roles or employers without Home Office approval, provided their work remains within their field. Bear this in mind for workforce planning.
When hiring Global Talents, plan early for extensions. Keep records that link the role and UK earnings to the endorsed or prize-related field, as theses are essential for extensions. If an extension looks unlikely because the role has shifted away from the field, you will likely need a switch plan, for example to the Skilled Worker visa.

 

 

 

Section H: Summary

 

The Global Talent Visa presents an exciting opportunity for professionals to pursue UK-based opportunities for both career and personal development. This visa route is designed to attract the world’s leading talent, providing a pathway to not only advance your work opportunities, but also to immerse yourself in life in the UK. However, the endorsement and application process can be daunting, necessitating careful preparation and diligent management to ensure that all eligibility and procedural requirements are met.

 

 

Section I: Need Assistance?

 

The Global Talent visa is a highly attractive route for those who can demonstrate exceptional potential or recognition in their field to pursue UK-based opportunities under flexible visa terms. If you are considering making an application, speak to our UK immigration experts to discuss the eligibility and procedural requirements and for specialist advice on your Global Talent visa application.

 

 

Section J: Global Talent Visa FAQs

 

What is the Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa is a UK work route for highly skilled people in science, engineering, humanities, social sciences and medicine, digital technology and arts and culture. It allows flexible work without employer sponsorship and can lead to settlement.

 

Who is eligible to apply for the Global Talent visa?

Applicants need to be leaders or potential leaders in an eligible field. You either secure endorsement from an approved body or rely on a qualifying award listed in Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious Prizes, which removes the need for endorsement.

 

How long does it take to get a Global Talent visa?

Endorsement decisions typically take 4 to 8 weeks. After that, visa decisions are usually about 3 weeks from outside the UK and about 8 weeks from inside the UK. Priority (5 working days) and super priority (next working day) services may be available for an extra fee, depending on location.

 

Can you bring dependants under the Global Talent category?

A partner and children under 18 can apply as dependants. Dependants can work in most roles, except as a professional sportsperson or coach.

 

Do I need a job to be eligible for the Global Talent visa?

A job offer or employer sponsorship is not required. You can work for any employer, be self-employed or become a company director, provided your work stays within the endorsed or prize-related field.

 

Is the Global Talent visa a work visa?

It permits employment, self-employment and directorships within your field. Standard conditions apply, including no access to public funds and no work as a professional sportsperson or coach.

 

What are the endorsement bodies for the Global Talent visa?

Science and research: Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, British Academy and UK Research and Innovation. Digital technology: Tech Nation. Arts and culture: Arts Council England, with partners including RIBA (architecture), British Fashion Council (fashion) and PACT/ScreenSkills (film, TV, animation, post and VFX).

 

How long is the Global Talent visa valid for?

You choose a grant of 1 to 5 years in whole-year increments. You can extend if eligible and you may qualify for settlement after 3 or 5 years, depending on your pathway and whether you were endorsed under Talent or Promise.

 

Can I extend the Global Talent visa?

Yes, if you continue to meet the rules. You need to show earnings in the UK from work linked to your endorsed field, or related to the subject of your qualifying prize, during your most recent grant of leave. Your endorsement or prize should not have been withdrawn.

 

Is there a minimum salary requirement for the Global Talent visa?

There is no minimum salary threshold for initial applications or extensions. English language and Life in the UK tests apply at the settlement stage, unless an exemption applies.

 

What are the benefits of the Global Talent visa?

Key advantages include no sponsorship requirement, wide work flexibility, a tailored length of stay up to five years, eligibility for a partner and children to join, and a pathway to settlement for those who meet the residence and earnings rules.

 

Can I switch to the Global Talent visa from another visa?

Switching is generally allowed from within the UK except if you are a Visitor, Short-term Student, Parent of a Child Student, Seasonal Worker, Domestic Worker in a Private Household, on immigration bail or have permission outside the Rules. You still need endorsement or a qualifying prize.

 

What are the application fees for the Global Talent visa?

The fee is £766. If applying with endorsement, you pay £561 at endorsement stage and £205 at the visa stage. If applying with a prestigious prize, you pay £766 at the visa stage. Each dependant pays £766.

 

What documents are required for the Global Talent visa application?

You provide identity documents, any required TB test, and permission from a sponsor or government body if you held an eligible scholarship in the last year. You also provide your endorsement letter or details of your qualifying prize. Non-English or Welsh documents need certified translations.

 

 

 

Section K: Glossary

 

TermDefinition
Global Talent visaA UK immigration route for highly skilled individuals in eligible fields to live and work in the UK with flexible work permissions and a pathway to settlement.
EndorsementOfficial approval from a recognised body confirming the applicant’s standing as a leader or potential leader in their field.
Tech NationEndorsing body for digital technology applicants under the Global Talent visa.
Arts Council EnglandEndorsing body for arts and culture applicants, working with partners such as RIBA, British Fashion Council, PACT and ScreenSkills.
DependantA partner or child under 18 of the main applicant who can apply to join or remain in the UK. Dependants may work in most roles except as a professional sportsperson or coach.
Self-employedWorking for yourself as a freelancer or business owner rather than for an employer.
Eligibility criteriaThe conditions an applicant needs to meet to qualify, including endorsement or a qualifying prestigious prize and other route requirements.
Settlement (ILR)Indefinite Leave to Remain, permanent permission to live and work in the UK without time limit, typically after 3 or 5 years depending on pathway and endorsement type.
Application feesHome Office charges payable for endorsement and the visa application. Separate Immigration Health Surcharge applies for each year of leave.
Processing timesThe time taken for endorsement and visa decisions. Standard service differs inside and outside the UK, with optional paid priority services where available.
Switching visasApplying from within the UK to change to another visa route. Some categories cannot switch to Global Talent and need to apply from outside the UK.
Endorsing bodyAn organisation recognised by the UK government to assess and endorse applicants for the Global Talent visa.
Application processThe steps to apply, typically endorsement (or qualifying prize) followed by the online visa application with fees, biometrics and documents.
Skilled professionalsIndividuals with specialised knowledge, experience or achievements in an eligible field.

 

Section L: Additional Resources

 

 

ResourceWhat it coversLink (nofollow)
GOV.UK — Global Talent overviewOfficial overview of eligibility, applying with endorsement or a prestigious prize, length of stay.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
Immigration Rules — Appendix Global TalentLegal rules for the route, including eligible fields and core requirements.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-global-talent
Immigration Rules — Appendix Global Talent: Prestigious PrizesQualifying awards that remove the need for endorsement.https://www.gov.uk/guidance/immigration-rules/immigration-rules-appendix-global-talent-prestigious-prizes
GOV.UK — Digital technology pathwayEligibility and evidence for Tech Nation endorsements in digital technology.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-digital-technology
GOV.UK — Apply for endorsement (digital technology)Stage 1 application steps and notes on applying together with the visa.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-digital-technology/apply-for-endorsement
GOV.UK — Academia and research pathwayRoutes for academics and researchers: senior appointments, fellowships, UKRI endorsed funders, peer review.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-researcher-academic
GOV.UK — Arts & culture: combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, visual artsArts Council England criteria and evidence for endorsements in these disciplines.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-arts-culture/combined-arts-dance-literature-music-theatre-or-visual-arts
GOV.UK — Arts & culture: fashion designBritish Fashion Council criteria for fashion endorsements.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-arts-culture/fashion-design
GOV.UK — Arts & culture: film and televisionPACT criteria for film, television, animation, post and VFX endorsements.https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-arts-culture/film-television
Arts Council England — Global Talent visa hubACE guidance and documents for arts and culture endorsements.https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/global-talent-visa
Royal Society — Global TalentOverview and routes for science and medicine applicants.https://royalsociety.org/grants/global-talent-visa-overview/
Royal Academy of Engineering — Global TalentEngineering endorsements, routes and decision tree.https://raeng.org.uk/programmes-and-prizes/programmes/international-programmes/global-talent-visa/
British Academy — Global Talent visasHumanities and social sciences endorsement routes.https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/international/global-talent-visas/
UKRI — Getting a Global Talent visaUKRI endorsed funder route and research-focused guidance.https://www.ukri.org/apply-for-funding/getting-a-global-talent-visa-to-do-research-in-the-uk/
RIBA — Architecture Global Talent guidanceRIBA guidance on ACE architecture endorsements and evidence.https://www.architecture.com/knowledge-and-resources/resources-landing-page/tier-1-visas-for-architecture-guidance-for-applicants
PACT — Applying for Talent VisasProcess outline and criteria for film, TV, animation, post and VFX endorsements.https://www.pact.co.uk/applying-for-talent-visas.html

About our Expert

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Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
Picture of Anne Morris

Anne Morris

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

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The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.