The UK’s new initiative to draw top talent to the nation is called the Global Visa. It has taken the place of the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent Visa as of February 20, 2020.
You can work in the UK for up to five years without a sponsor or a job offer if you have a Global Talent Visa for the UK and are a “leader or future leader” in digital technology, arts, and academics.
Additionally, you can renew your visa as often as you like and switch occupations without informing the immigration authorities.
Eligibility Criteria for the Global Talent Visa for the UK
Suppose you have extraordinary talent and potential to become a leader in one of the following disciplines. In that case, you may be eligible for a Global Talent visa to work in the UK:
- Academia or research
- Arts and Culture
- Digital technology
Academia or research
You must have extraordinary potential or promise in one of the following fields to be eligible for a UK Global Talent Visa in academia or research:
- Medicine
- Science
- Engineering
- Humanities
You must also fit into one of the following categories
- Do you have a job as a senior academic or researcher (e.g., a university professor) in the UK
- You were awarded a personal fellowship in the UK.
- You are a participant in a research grant that UK Research and Innovation has approved (UKRI)
If your application is supported by peer review, you can still apply for the Global Talent Visa for the UK even if you don’t have any of the qualifications above. In this situation, a letter of recommendation from a prominent person with “internationally recognized experience” in your subject is required.
Arts and Culture
You must exhibit extraordinary talent or remarkable promise in one of the following areas to be eligible for a UK Global Talent Visa in the arts and culture fields:
- Combined arts
- Dance
- Literature
- Music
- Theatre
- Visual arts
Additionally, you must fit into one of the following categories:
- You have consistently worked in your profession over the past five years, producing work that is acknowledged internationally and is rated “excellent” by the Arts Council England.
- You can demonstrate that your work is well known in at least two countries to support your application to be a leader in your field.
Fashion design
To qualify for a Global Talent Visa in the field of fashion design:
- It would be best if you were regarded as having remarkable talent or promise in your industry.
- It would be best if you were known as a leading figure in the industry.
- You must have worked continuously in fashion design for the last five years.
- Influential people in the fashion business must acknowledge your efforts.
Tv and film
The Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) will determine whether you are a leader or an exceptional talent when determining whether you are eligible for a Global Talent Visa in the fields of film and television (which also includes animation, post-production, animation, and visual effects).
Digital technology
You must fall into one of the following categories to be deemed an extraordinary talent or exceptional promise in the field of digital technology:
- You have taught, mentored, or participated in collaborative projects to help the digital technology sector.
- You founded or held a leadership position in a tech startup with a cutting-edge product.
- You founded the business or held a crucial position in a tech startup with an innovative product.
Required Documents for the UK’s Global Talent Program Application
Depending on your area of expertise, you must submit different types of paperwork when applying for a Global Talent Visa. This comprises:
- For work on a research grant: A documented statement from the sponsor confirming the grant’s minimum funding level of £30,000 and the minimum duration of two years.
- For peer-reviewed recommendations, a letter from an authority in your field with “internationally recognized knowledge” is required. The letter needs to say the following:
- How that person knows you
- That you would contribute to the UK and benefit from being in the UK
- They think you have extraordinary potential or promise
- Researchers or academic leaders require a letter from the organization’s HR director. The letter needs to:
- Include your name, position, and department
- State that four senior academics interviewed you from the organization where you will work.
- State that got the position after applying via an open competition, which was advertised.
How can I apply for a global talent visa in the UK?
Two steps make up the application process for a global visa to the UK:
- Applying for endorsement from a group regarded as an authority in your area of expertise.
- Requesting a Global Talent Visa
Applying for Endorsement
You must obtain an endorsement to prove that you are a leader or a potential leader in your profession. You must register on the UK Home Office’s Visas and Immigration website using your email address before submitting your application.
The UK Home Office will next submit your endorsement application to one of these so-called “endorsements organizations” for evaluation, depending on the industry you plan to work in
Requesting a Global Talent Visa
After receiving your endorsement, you must submit supporting documents, the letter, and other documents needed to apply for a UK visa. You must apply no earlier than months before you intend to depart for the UK. You and all your dependent family members can apply at the same.
How long does a global visa last?
The duration of a Global Talent Visa for the UK is five years, with the option of renewal. After three years of residency, you may apply for settlement in the UK if you qualify as a leader or an outstanding talent. After five years, you can submit a settlement application if you apply as a potential leader.
Can I Switch to a Global Talent Visa?
If you are already in the UK via one of the following visas, then you can apply to switch to a Global Talent Visa:
- Tier 1 Visa
- Tier 2 Visa
- Tier 5 for temporary workers on a Government Authorised Exchange (exchange scheme for sponsored researchers)
- Start-up visa
- Innovator visa
Ensure that your visa is still valid before applying. You will have overstayed if your visa is expired. You might not be able to wait for your application to be processed if your visa is about to expire.
If you are in the UK under another visa category, you must leave and apply for a visa from your home country.