The Global Talent visa is a category of UK immigration for talented and promising individuals who seek to work in the UK in specific fields such as science, humanities, engineering, the arts, and technology.

Until February 2020, the Global Talent visa replaced the tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa category.

Applicants must be industry leaders or have the potential to become industry leaders, as recognised by an endorsing body.

How we can help

• Eligibility Assessment: Lawyers can determine if your background aligns with the Global Talent Visa criteria and which endorsement body is most suitable for your field (Science, Engineering, Arts etc.).
• Endorsement Support: The trickiest part often involves securing an endorsement letter. Lawyers can help navigate the endorsement process, liaise with endorsing bodies, and ensure your application showcases your talent effectively.
• Application Strength: Lawyers can guide you through the complex application form, ensuring all sections are filled meticulously and supporting documentation is compelling.
• Document Gathering: Lawyers can advise on the specific documents required for your case and assist in collecting and organizing the proofs to meet Home Office standards.
• Overall Strategy: Lawyers can develop a strategic approach to highlight your achievements and potential, maximizing your chances of approval.

Requirement for endorsement

The first stage in the process is to get approval from an endorsed body. After that, the applicant must submit their visa application and endorsement to the Home Office.

The eligibility requirements can vary considerably depending on the applicant’s history and their chosen field of expertise.

Applicants must typically obtain an official endorsement from one of six designated endorsing bodies.

The British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the Royal Society, and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) provide endorsements for eligible applicants for science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, humanities, and other academic and research jobs.

We’ve provided some details of these below to help you determine what you need for a successful application:

Arts and Culture Endorsement

• A qualified applicant must show that they have been actively involved in creating an extraordinary work of art professionally.
• They should have a five-year track record of regular professional activity in their field.
• They have a proven track record in multiple countries.
• They have three letters of recommendation from organisations that are eligible.
• They have proof of work or performance in at least two nations that have received media attention.
• They have a lot of potential and evidence from at least one country

Architecture Endorsement

• The applicant should provide three letters of recommendation from organisations that are eligible.
• To demonstrate outstanding talent, the applicant must prove winning an award or a body of work with media attention in at least two countries.

Fashion Design Industry Endorsement

• The applicant has had a prominent position in the fashion business for the past five years and can demonstrate professional involvement.
• Three letters of recommendation are needed for the applicant.
• An excellent candidate can provide examples of media exposure or sponsorship from a fashion organisation that qualifies.

Film and Television Endorsement

• The candidate has won or been nominated for a ‘main award’ (e.g., an Academy Award, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, or an Emmy Award) in the past decade.
• Three letters of recommendation from relevant organisations are required.

Digital Technology Endorsement

• A technical candidate has demonstrated experience in constructing essential technical infrastructure.
• A business applicant has demonstrated experience in commercial investment or product development.
• The applicant submits a CV detailing their professional accomplishments and three letters of recommendation from relevant organisations.

Science, Engineering, Humanities and Medicine fields endorsement

In a qualifying organisation, the applicant is an active researcher or a senior industry individual in their relevant fields.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive. Each category has specific eligibility conditions that candidates must meet to be awarded a Global Talent Visa based on their field of expertise.