UK Immigration for Global Talent
The Global Talent category provides a route for highly talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, technology, engineering, medicine, humanities, culture and the arts to live and work in the UK subject to few restrictions.
Applicants with ‘exceptional talent’ or ‘exceptional promise’ can apply for an endorsement. Each endorsing body specifies its own eligibility criteria and rigorous evidential requirements.
The recognised endorsing bodies are:
- Arts Council England – for arts, culture, fashion, architecture, film and television applications
- Tech Nation – for digital technology applications
- The British Academy – for humanities applications
- The Royal Society – for medicine applications
- The Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering applications
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – for science applications.
Who can we help?
Our Immigration team has significant experience assisting talented individuals who satisfy the criteria of having exceptional talent and exceptional promise for a Global Talent application. We are able to advise on the substantive requirements of the endorsing body, necessary supporting evidence and assist with submission for your endorsement and subsequent UK immigration application.
Immigration requirements
Individuals looking to obtain permission as a Global Talent migrant are required to satisfy a number of eligibility criteria and documentary requirements to first obtain the necessary endorsement and then obtain UK immigration permission. The criteria to be satisfied includes requirements relating to:
- Track record – Each endorsing body sets out how you are expected to show you have been recognised as someone with exceptional talent or exceptional promise in their relevant field. There are stringent evidential requirements to show expertise and regular professional engagement at the required level.
Submitting sufficient and credible evidence is key to securing an endorsement from the relevant endorsing body. We have had years of experience in highlighting our clients’ experience and unique talent and bringing together strong applications showcasing this.
Important considerations
- Timings – An endorsement application can take up to 8 weeks from the date of online submission. Once successfully granted, there are optional priority services available both inside and outside the UK to obtain your UK immigration permission.
- Work – In most cases, you are able to undertake any type of employment or self-employment in the UK.
- Switching – If you are in the UK with permission under a different UK immigration category, you should be able to switch from within the UK.
- Success rate – This category is aimed at leaders of their field. The approval rate for some endorsing bodies is around 50%.
- Settlement – Depending on the type of endorsement you are granted, you may be able to apply for settlement after a period of three or five years’ continuous residence in the UK.
How we can help
We have significant experience in assisting established and upcoming leaders in their fields wishing to come to the UK to live and work. We will ensure that you are provided with thorough advice and guidance so that you are well placed to go through the Global Talent endorsement and application processes.
The team will provide a breakdown of the relevant endorsing body and UK visa application process as well as the key requirements, information and supporting evidence required for your application. We are on hand to help obtain these documents and check that they should meet the scrutiny of the Endorsing Body and Home Office. Whilst your application is pending, we are well placed to liaise with the Home Office on your behalf.
Please contact Malini Skandachanmugarasan if you have any queries regarding the Global Talent category. As a law firm expertly covering different practice areas, we can introduce you to colleagues who can provide high quality guidance in areas such as Employment, Private Client and Tax in view of your relocation and work in the UK.