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You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you are recognised as a leader or an emerging leader in academia, research, arts & culture, or digital technology.

In this comprehensive guide to the UK Global Talent visa, we will explain everything including how to apply, eligibility requirements, documents, and provisions for family members.

Whether you want to apply for or extend your UK Global Talent visa, call our immigration solicitors in London today at 0203 959 7755 for legal advice and help.

Table of Contents

What is a Global Talent visa?

The Global Talent visa is a part of the UK work visa category specifically designed for individuals recognised as leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts & culture, and digital technology.

Global Talent visa allows talented individuals to live and work in the UK without the need for a job offer or sponsorship.

What are the benefits of the Global Talent visa?

The benefits include:

  • No job offers are required.
  • Flexibility to change jobs or employers without needing additional approval.
  • Fast-tracked path to indefinite leave to remain (ILR). Apply ILR after 3 or 5 years depending on the type of your field.
  • Ability to bring family members.

UK Global Talent visa requirements

To be eligible to apply for a UK Global Talent visa, applicants must obtain an endorsement from one of the following recognised endorsing bodies:

You must also:

  • be at least 18 years old at the time of application.
  • have letters of recommendation. Typically, three strong letters from established experts in your field.
  • prove that you have enough money for yourself and your dependents without needing public funds.

You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements depending on your circumstances. Please contact us for an initial assessment to determine your eligibility, and to discuss the options.

Document required for UK Global Talent visa

When applying for a UK Global Talent visa, you'll need to provide several documents to support your endorsement application and UK Global Talent visa application.

Documents required for the endorsement application

Submit the endorsement application form and ensure the form is filled out accurately and completely. It's crucial to check all documents are up-to-date and correct. This helps avoid delays and boosts our chances of getting approved.

You need to submit your detailed curriculum vitae (CV/Resume) highlighting your career, achievements, and contributions in your field.

You may need to submit additional documents depending on the nature of your work such as evidence of eligibility, letters of recommendation, supporting statements, proof of recognition, portfolio of work, evidence of leading roles and more.

Documents required for the Global Talent visa application

  • Your current passport or travel document.
  • The official letter from the endorsing body confirming your endorsement.
  • Bank statements or other financial documents to show you can support yourself and any dependents.
  • Proof of any dependent family members (if applicable).
  • Tuberculosis (TB) test results (if applicable).

Remember, the document checklist provided above is not exhaustive, and additional documents may be required based on your personal circumstances. Properly preparing your documentation is key to the success of your application. Contact us today to get a comprehensive list of supporting documents.

How to apply for a Global Talent visa from outside the UK?

To apply for a UK Global Talent visa, the applicant must submit an online application along with all the supporting documentation and visa fees.

The application process for the Global Talent visa involves two stages:

Stage 1: Endorsement Application

  • Choose the endorsing body: Based on your field of expertise.
  • Submit required documents: This typically includes a CV, a statement of purpose, and evidence of your achievements.
  • Endorsement decision: The endorsing body will assess your application and decide if you meet their criteria.

Stage 2: Visa Application

  • Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents and ensure they are up to date.
  • Online Application: Complete the online application form on the UK government website.
  • Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee, which is currently £716 and IHS fee.
  • Biometric Appointment: Provide your biometric information (fingerprints and photographs) at the nearest visa application centre.
  • Submit Application: Submit your application and supporting documents.
  • Wait for a Decision: The decision typically takes up to 3 weeks.

UK Global Talent processing time

You should receive a decision on your UK Global Talent visa within 3 weeks after applying online from outside the UK and attending your biometric appointment.

You may be able to apply for a UK Global Talent visa using Priority Service to get a faster decision. You'll need to pay a Priority Service fee in addition to the application fee.

The processing time for a UK visa application can vary depending on several factors, including the type of visa application, the country from which you are applying, and the volume of applications being processed by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

All the applicants are advised to check the latest information about UK visa application processing time on the official UK government website.

How much does the UK Global Talent Visa cost?

The application fee for a UK Global Talent visa is currently £716. Additional costs may include the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Priority Service fees.

If you're applying based on an endorsement, you'll pay the £716 in two parts:

  • £524 when you apply for the endorsement
  • £192 when you apply for the visa itself

Extending your UK Global Talent visa

If you wish to stay longer in the UK after your initial five years, you can apply to extend your Global Talent visa for a further five years.

UK Global Talent visa holders must apply to extend their visa before it expires to continue living legally and working in the UK.

Depending on your field and application type, you may qualify for indefinite leave to remain, allowing you to settle in the UK after 3 or 5 years.

UK Global Talent visa dependents (your partner and children)

A UK Global Talent visa allows you to bring family members such as a spouse, partner, or children to join you in the UK as your 'dependants' if they're eligible.

A 'dependant' is any of the following:

  • Your spouse, civil partner, or unmarried partner
  • your child under 18
  • your child aged 18 or over who was previously on your or your partner's visa as a dependant

Each family member will need to apply separately and meet specific criteria.

Role of an immigration solicitor

Navigating the UK visa application process can be complex and stressful, especially if English is not your first language or if you are unfamiliar with UK immigration laws. Hiring an immigration solicitor provides peace of mind, knowing that you have professional support to guide you through every step of the process.

Here are some ways in which our team of highly experienced UK immigration solicitors can assist:

  • Legal Expertise: Our immigration solicitors have in-depth knowledge of UK immigration laws, policies, and procedures. We can assess your eligibility for different types of visas, advise you on the most suitable visa option, and ensure that your application complies with all relevant legal requirements.
  • Consultation and Advice: If you are uncertain about the visa type that best suits your needs or require guidance on the application process, we offer consultations to answer your questions.
  • Application Preparation: Our immigration solicitors will fill in your UK visa application forms accurately and submit them.
  • Supporting Documents: We will advise you on the required documents to be submitted in support of your visa application and ensure that they meet the specific requirements of the visa category you are applying for.
  • Legal Representation: We can represent you in communications with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department, embassy, or consulate handling your application. We can correspond with immigration authorities on your behalf, respond to requests for additional information, and address any concerns or queries raised during the processing of your application.
  • Appeals and Administrative Reviews: If your visa application is refused, our immigration solicitors can help you explore options for appealing the decision or requesting an administrative review. We can prepare and submit appeal or review applications, gather additional evidence to support your case and represent you at appeal hearings or review proceedings.

If you have any questions or want assistance with your UK visa application, please call our expert immigration solicitors based in London at 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, fill in our online contact form, and one of our UK immigration experts will get back in touch with you soon!

How to contact Moeen & Co. Solicitors?

If you have questions or need help with your UK Global Talent visa application, you can contact our team of immigration solicitors in Hayes, London by calling 0203 959 7755. Alternatively, you can fill in our online contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

There are several ways to contact our solicitors based in Hayes, London:

We are located near Hayes and Harlington Station on Hayes High Street, in Hayes Town Centre. 

Frequently asked questions about the UK Global Talent visa

Yes, your spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, and dependent children under 18 can join you, provided they apply separately and meet the requirements.

Yes, you can apply to extend your UK Ancestry visa for another five years before your current visa expires.

After 3 or 5 continuous years in the UK on a Global Talent visa, you can apply for ILR. You must provide evidence of continuous residence and pass the Life in the UK test.

No, a job offer or sponsorship is not required to apply for the Global Talent visa. This visa provides flexibility to work for any employer or be self-employed.

If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision or reapply, addressing the reasons for refusal. Seeking advice from an immigration lawyer may be beneficial in such cases.

Yes, you can travel in and out of the UK as often as you like, but you must not spend more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period to maintain eligibility for ILR.

Yes, you can switch to the Global Talent visa from most other visa categories while in the UK, provided you meet the eligibility requirements and obtain the necessary endorsement.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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