What is the Global Talent visa ?

What is the Global Talent visa?

This route is suitable for individuals who are leaders (or potential leaders) seeking to work in the UK in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Informally, this visa is for those individuals who are (or have the potential to be), amongst the best in their fields globally.

There are two ways to apply for this visa. Most people will need to obtain an endorsement from a relevant endorsing body to prove that they are a leader or potential leader in their field. However, the Home Office has a list of prestigious prizes and, if you have won an eligible prize, you do not need to secure endorsement. By way of examples from the Home Office’s published lists, the prizes include winning an Academy Award (Oscar) for Best Actor or Actress in a Leading Role, winning a Nobel Prize in Physics, and winning a Grammy Award – Lifetime Achievement Award.

If you have not won a prestigious prize, and need to secure endorsement, this is a separate application to the visa application itself.

Stage 1: Endorsement

There are separate endorsing bodies for each field, and each have their own individual requirements. The relevant endorsing bodies are:

• Tech Nation (for those applying in the field of digital technology)
• Arts Council England (for those applying in the fields of combined arts, dance, literature, music, theatre, or visual arts)
• The Royal Institute of British Architects (for those applying in the field of architecture)
• The British Fashion Council (for those applying in the field of fashion design)
• The Producer’s Alliance for Cinema and Television (for those applying in the field of film and television)
• The Royal Society
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
• The British Academy
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Those applying in the field of academia and research may also be able to obtain endorsement via peer review.

If approved, you will receive an endorsement letter. This can then be used to apply for the Global Talent visa. Obtaining endorsement is not a guarantee that you will get a visa and the Home Office may refuse your application for other reasons, such as suitability. However, without an endorsement or a prestigious prize, it is not possible to obtain a Global Talent visa.

Stage 2: The Visa

Once you receive your endorsement letter, you can apply for entry clearance or leave to remain. Applicant’s must meet the validity requirements in the immigration rules, as well as the suitability requirements. The suitability requirements include reference to criminality, civil judgments, and immigration related offences, including overstaying. We advise discussing any potential hurdles at the visa stage with an appropriate immigration advisor prior to obtaining endorsement, to avoid future disappointment.

The basic requirements include, but are not limited to, the following:

• The Applicant must be made on the correct route. For example, Applicants outside the UK must make their application on the form “Global Talent visa – stage 2”
• The relevant fees must be paid
• Biometrics must be provided, when required
• An Applicant must be able to establish their identity
• An application must be made no more than 3 months after endorsement is received
• Any prestigious prize or endorsement must not have been withdrawn or suspended
• Applicant’s must be over 18

If an Applicant is inside the UK when making their application, there are certain visas that do not permit switching to the Global Talent route. These include visitor visas, short-term student visas, seasonal workers, &c. Please speak to one of our immigration advisors for a full list and further details.

People applying from outside the UK may also need a tuberculosis test. There is no maintenance requirement for this visa.

What is the length of leave granted?

When applying for your visa, you can choose the desired length from between one and five years. The same is true for an extension application. You can subsequently apply for further leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain should you satisfy the requirements. If you are applying to extend your visa, you must show that you have earned money in your field during your time in the UK.

For indefinite leave to remain applications, Applicants will need to satisfy the Knowledge of Life and Language (KoLL) requirements. This includes having passed the Life in the UK test and demonstrating English language ability to at least level B1 or B2 depending on when the application is made. Indefinite leave applications also have a residency requirement and, generally, must not have spent more than 180 days outside the UK in any given 12-month period. Indefinite leave to remain can be applied for in as early as three years, depending on a person’s circumstances. In other cases, indefinite leave to remain applications can be made after a continuous period of five years.

Can my dependents join/accompany me to the UK?

This visa does permit dependents (partner and children).

How much is this visa?

When applying for your endorsement, you will need to pay the endorsement fee of £561. There is a fee of £205 for initial global talent visa application itself. This totals to £766.

If you are applying under the prestigious prize route, you will need to pay £766 in full when applying for the visa. Any partner and children will also need to pay an application fee of £766.

All Applicants (main and dependents) will need to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge. This is currently £1,035 per adult per year and £776 per child per year. It is important to note that Home Office fees are revised frequently.

What are the conditions of leave to remain?

This visa is normally granted with no access to public funds. Work is usually permitted, except in certain employments such as a professional sportsperson, and study is usually permitted subject to certain requirements.

How can we help?

The exact requirements and documents required for each application will vary greatly depending on your circumstances and which route you are applying under. Our experienced solicitors and legal advisors can help you and your family:

• Prepare an initial application, extension application, or indefinite leave to remain application under the Global Talent category
• Prepare an endorsement application with a view to applying for the Global Talent visa
• Challenge decisions by way of Administrative Review or appeal processes (if permitted)

We will assist by:

• Taking full instructions from you
• Advising you on the requirements specific to your circumstances
• Reviewing relevant documents which you provide, and advising on their suitability
• Advising on the best solutions for your situation
• Preparing the application (including the completion of relevant forms)
• Preparing tailored covering submissions to fit your circumstances
• Assisting with submitting the application(s) and arranging for biometrics appointments if necessary
• Communicating with the relevant authority until a decision is made
• Advising about your rights and entitlements following a decision an application
• Providing follow up advice after a decision is received about your duties and responsibilities

CONTACT US

DESCARTES SOLICITORS is recognised as one of the leading multi-practice firms in the UK. Our specialist immigration team will advise, prepare, and submit high-quality visa applications for applicants and their dependent family members. Contact our lawyers on 0208 995 3556 or e-mail info@descartessolicitors.co.uk