Global Talent Visa

What is the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is a UK immigration category aimed at attracting exceptionally talented or promising individuals in fields such as science, research, academia, humanities, engineering, arts and culture, medicine, and digital technology. Introduced in February 2020, replacing the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa, it enables eligible individuals to live and work in the UK with significant flexibility.

Applicants do not need a specific job offer or employer sponsorship and can freely change jobs, start businesses, study (subject to ATAS approval), or work independently.

The visa is granted initially for up to five years, with options for indefinite leave to remain after three to five years, depending on the endorsement category.

To qualify, candidates must secure endorsement from a designated endorsing body, such as Tech Nation (for digital tech), Arts Council England (for arts and culture), the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering, or UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Alternatively, winners of prestigious awards (like Nobel Prizes or Academy Awards) can bypass the endorsement requirement and directly apply for the visa.

Endorsement costs £561, followed by a visa application fee of £205, or a combined fee of £766 under the prize-holder route.

Processing times typically range from one month for endorsements to three to eight weeks for visa applications.

Additional requirements include paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), demonstrating sufficient maintenance funds (if switching categories within the UK), and the possibility for dependants (partners and children) to join the main applicant.

This visa suits innovators, researchers, digital technology leaders, and artists seeking a highly flexible immigration route to settle long-term in the UK.

Flexibility in work and career

No sponsorship needed:  You’re not tied to any employer, so you can change jobs, switch companies, or move around the UK without asking the Home Office for new permission.

Freedom in how you work: You can take a job, run your own business, or become a company director.

Extra income allowed: You can earn from consultancy or other projects, even if they aren’t directly linked to your endorsed field.

Time off when you need it: You can take unpaid leave or a break from work without it affecting your visa.

Career and settlement

Faster route to settlement: You can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) after three years, which is quicker than most other visas.

Flexible visa length: You choose how long to apply for, up to five years, and you can extend it as long as you still meet the visa requirements.

No minimum salary: There’s no set income level you need to earn to qualify or keep your visa.

Other benefits

Bring your family: Your partner and children can join you in the UK as dependants.

Work and travel abroad: If you travel for research or work related to your endorsed field, it usually won’t affect your ILR eligibility later.

Simple requirements: There’s no need to prove English language skills or show maintenance funds when you apply.