If you’re a gifted and skilled worker, our Global Talent Visa solicitors can help you settle in the United Kingdom. While there are many different visa categories for the UK, the Global Talent Visa specifically refers to those who are leaders or potential leaders in their field. It may require them to be recognised by an endorsing body, depending on their industry.

You may qualify for a Global Talent Visa if you meet a strict set of criteria. Our specialist immigration lawyers can talk you through the application process, from forms to sponsorship. Alternatively, we also offer other work visa services for foreign nationals, so contact us today to get started.

What is a Global Talent Visa?

A Global Talent Visa is a category of UK immigration targeting leaders in their field or those with potential to be such leaders, who wish to work here. It was introduced in February 2020, replacing the former Tier 1 Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise categories.
Those who have exceptional talent or potential for future leadership in certain fields may be able to apply. These fields include industry categories such as:

• Arts and culture, such as literature, visual arts, music, dance and fashion design
• Architecture, research or academia, including science, engineering, medicine, humanities and social sciences
• Digital technology, including fintech, cybersecurity, gaming and artificial intelligence
• Media including film and television, animation, post-production and visual effects

If you qualify for a Global Talent Visa under the Exceptional Talent sub-category,, you’ll be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in just three years, rather than the standard five years for many other visa categories.

What is the difference between a Global Talent Visa and an Exceptional Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa is a rebrand of previous visa models, with key differences. With this visa type, there is no longer a cap on the number that can be issued per year. If you do qualify as an exceptional talent, you now only have to be in the UK for three years to apply for ILR. If qualifying under the Exceptional Promise sub-category then it’s five years.

While this rebrand does make for a more flexible application process, there are still multiple challenges. For example, you must complete a successful endorsement application for one of the following recognised bodies:

• Arts Council England
• The British Academy
• British Fashion Council
• The Royal Academy of Engineering
• The Royal Institute of British Architects
• The Royal Society
• Tech Nation
• UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Securing an endorsed funder is complex, as the requirements vary depending on your sector. At Truth Legal, our Global Talent Visa UK solicitors can help you through this process.

Who qualifies for the UK Global Talent Visa?

While we have a high Global Talent Visa success rate at Truth Legal, it’s important to understand that the process is extremely strict. Endorsement is only the first phase, after which there is a points-based system to approve your visa.

You must be at least 18 years old to apply, unless you have been awarded one of the ‘prestigious prizes’ in your field, such as the Centenary Prize for Chemistry or the Charles Stark Draper Prize for Engineering. If you have won one of these eligible awards, you will not need to be endorsed.

We can talk you through the eligibility requirements for your specific endorsement review, as well as the documentation for the visa process.

How to apply for a Global Talent Visa UK

To apply for your Global Talent Visa, you should normally start with an endorsement from one of the approved bodies. You’ll need to provide evidence of qualifications in your field such as:

• Awards or nominations
• Proof of commercial success
• Academic qualifications
• Notable publications
• Media coverage

Next, you will need a letter of recommendation from a recognised referee in your field. After you’ve received your endorsement letter, you can begin your visa application through the Home Office. Global Talent Visa Holders do not need to pass the English language requirements. Our solicitors can tailor your application to meet the eligibility criteria and help with the endorsement decision.

Fast tracking your Global Talent Visa application

You may be able to fast-track your Global Talent Visa endorsement application if you have held an individual fellowship or award in the 12 months beforehand. These awards must be featured on lists published by the Royal Academy of Engineering, Royal Society or British Academy.

Similarly, you can fast track if you’ve been appointed an academic or research position at a UK higher education institution associated with these bodies. Alternatively, you may fast track if you’re hosted or employed by a UK research institution as named on UKRI published list, or if you have a grant from an endorsed funder.

What documents are required for the Global Talent Visa application?

You will need documents for both the endorsement and the visa application process. For the endorsement, you’ll need:

• A CV with job and publication details
• A personal letter of recommendation from a notable figure in academia or research relating to your field, outlining your achievements and potential future contributions
• A statement from a second notable figure in your field, confirming their position and your suitability for the endorsement.

There are other requirements if you have won a research grant or a specific award, including details of the job offer and references. Each specific endorsing body will have its own criteria, outlined below.

For the visa application process, you’ll need:

• A valid passport showing your identity and nationality
• Tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where a test is necessary
• If you have an award or scholarship, written permission from the agency or government who granted it
• Translated documents if they are not in English or Welsh
• A blank page in your passport if you’re outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland, or your passport does not have a biometric chip

Our specialist Global Talent Visa solicitors can help you with your application forms, as well as evidence gathering and general immigration rules in the UK.

How to get endorsement for UK Global Talent Visa

When it comes to endorsement, eligibility criteria vary. For example, the digital technology sector may have different requirements from some fields of science.

You must have a demonstrable track record of contributions to your industry. As a guideline for these early stages, recognised endorsement bodies require:

Arts Council England

• Approved accolades in the arts
• Proof that your creations are recognised in your country and abroad
• Evidence of your leadership skills in developing arts and culture

The British Academy

• Recognised contributions to humanities
• Contributions to leading journals or publications
• Evidence of leadership in your field

Royal Academy of Engineering

• Contributions to the development of new technologies or products
• International recognition for your contributions
• Proof of leadership in engineering

Royal Society

• Well-documented contributions to science
• Recommendations from members of the scientific community
• Proof of leadership in your field

Tech Nation

• Proof of contributions, such as a tech start-up or innovation
• Commercial success of your tech venture
• Evidence as a leader in the digital space

UK Research and Innovation

• Evidence of leadership in science, research and innovation
• Funding from recognised organisations
• Documented contributions to your field.

How much does the UK Global Talent Visa cost?

Global Talent Visa UK fees are regularly updated, but you can see the latest on Gov.uk. As of March 2025, it costs £716 in total, which is £524 for the endorsement and £192 for the visa itself. You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge, which is £1,035 per year.

Why choose Truth Legal as your Global Talent Visa solicitors?

At Truth Legal, we understand the complex process of applying for endorsement and a Global Talent Visa. From peer reviews to application fees, our multilingual solicitors can guide you through the whole process.

We have a high Global Talent Visa success rate for both individuals and their dependents. We’ll ensure every part of your application has strong evidence and is free from errors, helping to get your visa through the Home Office faster. If you’re an exceptional talent, you deserve to be able to contribute – and we’re here to help you get settled in the UK.

Global Talent Visa FAQs

How long does it take to process a UK Global Talent Visa application?

The Global Talent Visa processing time can vary, from as little as a month to up to eight weeks. The process may be slower if you’re submitting from inside the country, or if the Home Office asks to verify some details. Our expert solicitors will ensure you provide as much accurate information as possible to speed things up.

What is the difference between a Global Talent Visa and a Skilled Worker Visa?

There are many differences between Global Talent Visas and Skilled Worker Visas. To be a Skilled Worker, you must be sponsored, and you will need to be in the UK for five years to achieve settled status. Global Talent Visas do not need to be sponsored and only need to be here for three years to gain ILR.

Skilled workers will have minimum salary requirements whereas global talent needs endorsement from an approved body. Those on the Global Talent Visa can also be self-employed. The immigration health surcharge is the same for both visa types.

Can I switch from Tier 2 to a Global Talent Visa?

You can switch from a Skilled Worker (formerly Tier 2) to a Global Talent Visa. You must still obtain endorsement, and must apply for the visa within three months of having your endorsement approved. There is more information available on the Immigration Rules Appendix Global Talent section of the Gov.uk website, or our solicitors can answer your questions.