The Global Talent visa is an immigration route designed for skilled professionals from around the world who want to work in the UK. As businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic, the Global Talent visa is providing employers with the opportunity to hire top talent from sectors like science, technology, engineering, humanities, and the arts.
What is the Global Talent Visa?
The Global Talent visa allows exceptional and highly skilled individuals to work in the UK in specific fields, such as:
- Science and Engineering
- Technology
- Arts and Culture
- Humanities
To apply, you typically need an endorsement from an approved UK organization. However, if you have won a prestigious prize listed by the UK government, you can apply without an endorsement.
Eligibility for the Global Talent Visa
There are two key steps to applying for the Global Talent visa:
- Get an endorsement from an approved organization (if not applying with a prestigious prize).
- Apply for the visa.
To qualify for a Global Talent visa, you must meet specific criteria and score 70 points.
How to Score 70 Points
- Endorsement: You need an endorsement from an approved body. This endorsement must be valid and not older than 3 months at the time of your application.
- Prestigious Prizes: If you’ve won an eligible prize, you can use this to apply instead of an endorsement.
If you are applying for leave to remain (not initial entry), you must show that your endorsement is still valid and that you’ve been earning money in your field.
Suitability Requirements
The applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Not in breach of immigration laws: Applicants should not have overstayed their visa or be on immigration bail.
Benefits of the Global Talent Visa for Employers
The Global Talent visa offers several advantages for both employers and employees:
- No Sponsor Licence Needed: Employers do not need a sponsor license to hire someone with a Global Talent visa. This reduces the administrative burden and cost of hiring top talent.
- Flexibility for Employers and Employees: Employees on a Global Talent visa can change jobs or employers without needing permission from the Home Office. They can also become self-employed or set up their own businesses.
- Extended Stay: The visa allows applicants to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years, with the option to extend. After 3 years, eligible applicants can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), a step towards British citizenship.
- Bring Family Members: If your family meets the eligibility criteria, they can join you in the UK as dependents.
- No English Requirement for Visa: You do not need to prove your English language skills when applying for the Global Talent visa, although you will need to show proficiency when applying for ILR.
- No Minimum Financial Requirement: Unlike other visa routes, you do not need to show that you have a certain amount of personal savings to apply for the Global Talent visa.
- Pathway to Settlement and Citizenship: After living in the UK for 3-5 years on a Global Talent visa, you can apply for settlement (ILR) and eventually for British citizenship.
How to Apply for the Global Talent Visa
The application process involves two stages:
- Stage 1: Apply for and secure an endorsement from an approved organization.
- Stage 2: Apply for the Global Talent visa.
Fast-Track Applications
In certain situations, applicants may be eligible for fast-track processing, including:
- If you have been awarded a research fellowship or appointment from a prestigious institution like the Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering.
- If you have a research appointment at a UK Higher Education Institution (HEI) or research organization.
- If you’ve been accepted onto a Tech Nation accelerator program, which is fast-tracked for tech talent.
What Happens if Your Application is Refused?
If your application is refused, you can request an Administrative Review to check if there was a mistake in the decision. If the decision is not overturned, you may need to reapply.
A Great Opportunity for Employers
The Global Talent visa is a fantastic opportunity for employers in the UK to access highly skilled talent from around the world without the need for a sponsor license. It offers flexibility, long-term potential for employees, and a pathway to British citizenship.
The application process can be complex, so it’s a good idea to seek assistance from Law and Visas, immigration experts who can guide you through the process and ensure a successful application.
