Global Talent Visa FAQs: What you need to know

The Global Talent Visa on the face of it is a beacon of shining light for those who are eligible to apply. It has largely replaced the Tier 1 (Exceptional route). It can be found in the Immigration Rules, Appendix Global Talent.

It is aimed at Leaders and Potential Leaders in the following areas:

• arts and culture
• digital technology, and
• science, engineering and humanities and medicine.

What are the benefits of the Global Talent Visa?

You do not need to be sponsored to apply for this visa. This gives the applicant a certain amount of flexibility and allows the applicant to work in any employed or self-employed role. They are also able to change roles if the job is in the endorsed field.

The fees are cheaper than other categories and there is no language or minimum salary eligibility requirements.

Most applicants can apply for settlement after three years apart from those who come under Exceptional Promise endorsed by the Arts Council and Tech Nation. Those specific applicants who are not eligible to apply for settlement after three years, are able to apply for up to five years initial permission.

You can renew your visa as many times as you like if you meet the eligibility criteria for extending your stay.

How does the process work?

This is a two-stage process initially the applicant must: –

1. Get endorsed by the relevant endorsing body.
2. Apply for his visa to enter the UK. At this point he will also apply for his spouse and children as long as they are under 18 years old.

It may appear to be the easy option however it is exceptionally important that the candidates ensure that they do qualify for the chosen route and, they need to supply the relevant evidence to confirm this. Also, the application is completed online with the relevant evidence submitted this way.  Most importantly they must ensure that they have applied on the correct form and paid the endorsement fee and Health Charge.

How do you apply?

1. You can apply if you have an eligible job offer as an academic or researcher
2. Have an individual fellowship
3. Have a research grant that is approved by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
4. You can get your application peer reviewed.

Who qualifies for as a leader/Talent?

This category is for highly skilled people who have been working for more than five years in their field. They must be able to demonstrate recognition not only in their home country but also Internationally. It should be noted that an applicant using a Prestigious Prize to qualify does not require an endorsement.

In comparison to the other endorsing bodies, Tech Nation candidates must also submit the additional digital technology form. If, however, a candidate holds a prestigious prize they do not need to apply for an endorsement also.

What is a potential leader/promiser?

A potential leader is a candidate who is starting out in their career. They must be able to demonstrate the skills and capabilities to develop into a potential leader of tomorrow.

What happens once you have the endorsement?

Once you have your endorsement you will progress to stage 2. If you are applying from inside the UK, you apply online. If applying outside the UK, you also apply online.

What do you do if your endorsement has been refused?

If you have had your endorsement application refused, you are eligible to have an endorsement review. An endorsement review is used for reviewing unsuccessful stage 1 endorsement decisions and it is free of charge. It must be made within 28 calendar days from the date the Home Office sends you the refusal email.

You can apply for an endorsement review if you have had your application refused and you believe an incorrect decision has been mad. This could be that a vital piece of evidence appears not to have been considered. It should be noted that you can not introduce new evidence at this point. If you have new or further information, documents or other pieces of evidence you failed to include in the original application, if you wish to add them you will need to make a new application and pay the relevant fees again.

A record number of Global Talent Visas have been approved since this process was commenced.  As already stated, it is a highly desirable visa that opens more doors to more people.