Overview
Please note that Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) was replaced by the Global Talent category on 20 February 2020. A number of transitional arrangements apply to applicants who are affected by this change.
- Applicants who hold a valid Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) endorsement (Stage 1) but have not yet applied for entry clearance or leave to remain in line (Stage 2), can use this endorsement to apply for Global Talent. The initial requirements mirror those previously applied to Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) applicants.
- Applicants who currently hold Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) leave and who wish to apply to extend their stay, must do so under the Global Talent category. The extension requirements mirror those previously applied to Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) applicants.
- Applicants who are currently in the UK under Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) and who wish to apply for settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain) may do so without the need to switch into the Global Talent route. The settlement requirements remain the same as those in place before 20 February 2020, except that where the applicant was endorsed by the Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering or British Academy:
- they can apply for settlement once they have spent a continuous period of 3 years in the UK, whether they have been endorsed under “talent” or “promise” criteria.
- This does not apply to dependants of such applicants, who must meet a 5 year qualifying period in all circumstances.
- they are able to undertake research overseas without this counting towards the maximum time period allowed for absences. The research absence must be directly related to the reason for the endorsement and the absence must have occurred while the applicant held leave as a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant.
- This exemption also extends to partners of applicants who meet the criteria, including where the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) main applicant has subsequently settled in the UK on this basis.
- Applicants who wish to apply as the dependant of a Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) migrant may continue to do so.
Global Talent Visa
You can apply for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK if you’re a leader or potential leader in one of the following fields:
- academia or research
- arts and culture
- digital technology
You must also be at least 18 years old
If you or your family are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
If you or your close family member started living in the UK before 1 January 2021, you may be able to apply to the free EU Settlement Scheme.
Otherwise you need a visa to work in the UK.
Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Before you apply for a visa
You can only apply for a Global Talent visa once you have successfully applied for an endorsement to prove that you are a leader or potential leader.
Find out how to apply for endorsement and what you can do with a Global Talent visa if you work in one of the following fields:
If you’re not eligible for a Global Talent visa, there are other ways to work in the UK – for example a Skilled Worker visa.
How long you can stay
You can live and work in the UK for up to 5 years at a time.
If you want to stay longer in the UK
There’s no limit to how long you can stay in the UK in total, but you will need to renew (‘extend’) your visa when it expires. Each extension can last from 1 to 5 years.
You may be able to get indefinite leave to remain so you can settle in the UK after 3 or 5 years, depending on the endorsement path you are applying for. This gives you the right to live, work and study here for as long as you like, and apply for benefits if you’re eligible.
How to apply
You must apply online.
How you apply depends on whether you’re:
- outside the UK and are coming to the UK
- inside the UK and extending your current visa
- inside the UK and switching from a different visa
How long it takes
As part of your application, you’ll need to prove your identity and provide your documents.
You may need to allow extra time if you need an appointment to do this. You’ll find out if you need one when you start your application.
Getting a decision
Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within:
- 3 weeks, if you’re outside the UK
- 8 weeks, if you’re inside the UK
If you need to go to an appointment, you may be able to pay for a faster decision. How you do this depends on whether you’re outside the UK or inside the UK.
Fees
The visa application fee is usually £152. It costs £97 if you’re from one of the following countries:
Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden or Turkey.
If you’re including your partner or children in your application, they’ll each need to pay £608.
You also need to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your visa application. This is usually £624 per year for each person applying. Check how much you’ll need to pay.
When you apply for your endorsement, you’ll need to pay the endorsement fee of £456.
Documents you’ll need to apply
When you apply you’ll need to provide:
- a valid passport or other document that shows your identity and nationality
- your tuberculosis test results if you’re from a country where you have to take the test
If you’ve had an award or scholarship to study in the UK in the last year, you’ll also need written permission to apply from the agency or government that granted it.
If your documents are not in English or Welsh you’ll also need to provide a certified translation.
You need a blank page in your passport for your visa if you’re:
- from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland
- from the EU, EEA or Switzerland but do not have a biometric passport with a chip in it.
You can access the full government guidance here.