UK GLOBAL TALENT VISA

The Global Talent Visa is the UK’s premier immigration route for world-class talent in academia, research, arts, culture, and digital technology. It offers unmatched flexibility, no job offer requirement, and a fast track to permanent residency.

You can apply if you:

• Are over 18 
• Are a leader or potential leader in one of the approved fields
• Have been endorsed by a recognised UK endorsing body or have won an eligible prestigious prize 
• Want to live and work in the UK without being tied to a specific employer

Unlike most other visas, the Global Talent route:

• Does not require a job offer
• Has no salary requirement 
• Does not require proof of English language ability

Instead, the core requirement is endorsement, or an eligible award in your field.

ENDORSING BODIES BY SECTOR

• Science, Engineering, Humanities, Medicine: The Royal Society, The British Academy, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
• Arts & Culture: Arts Council England, British Fashion Council, Royal Institute of British Architects
• Digital Technology: Tech Nation

Each body has specific criteria for proving leadership or exceptional promise in your domain.

You can apply without endorsement if you have received an internationally recognised award (e.g., Nobel Prize, BAFTA, Grammy, Pritzker Prize, Turing Award). This fast-tracks your application and removes the need for peer review or industry assessment.

Follow these steps:

1. Apply for endorsement from the relevant body, unless you hold a qualifying award.
   – Endorsement fee: £456 
2.  Once endorsed, complete the online visa application.
3. Verify your identity using either:
   – A biometric appointment (£19.20 fee), or
   – The ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ app.
4. Pay the visa fee:
   – Main applicant: £192
   – Dependants: £716 each 
5. Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS):
   – £1,035 per person, per year

Standard decision times are:

• 3 weeks if applying from outside the UK
• 8 weeks if applying inside the UK

To support your application, you may need:

• Valid passport or travel ID
• Endorsement confirmation or award certificate
• Proof of identity via biometric data or a mobile app
• Supporting documents requested by the endorsing body

Our legal team can advise you on what to include based on your field and background.

To extend your visa:

• The original endorsement must still be valid.
• You must prove income or activity linked to your area of expertise (no minimum amount).
• Accepted evidence includes:
  – Payslips
  – Employer letters
  – Bank statements
  – HMRC records
  – Dividend vouchers (if self-employed or running a business)

Extension fee: £718 per person
IHS fee: £1,035 per year

Holders may apply for ILR after:

• 3 years (if endorsed as a leader)
• 5 years (if endorsed as a potential leader)

To qualify, you must:
– Not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12-month period
– Show continued contribution to your field in the UK
– Provide evidence of ongoing income or work activity
Once granted ILR, you’ll no longer need a visa or pay the healthcare surcharge. After 12 months with ILR, you may apply for British citizenship.

The Global Talent Visa is more than a work permit; it’s an open door to creative freedom, career growth, and long-term UK residency.
Whether you’re a world-renowned expert or a rising star in your field, Cromwell Wilkes will help you make your mark in the UK.
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Contact us today for personalised legal advice and take the first step toward starting your career in the UK.