How to Apply
The Global Talent Visa Application process is in 2 stages:
Stage 1: The Endorsement Application
You must apply for endorsement from one of the endorsing bodies:
- Royal Society
- British Academy,
- Royal Academy of Engineering
- UKRI (if applying under the Endorsed Funders route)
The endorsement application is made through the following link: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent-researcher-academic
You will be asked a series of question including a question asking you to select which of the above Global Talent Visa endorsement routes you are applying for.
Once you have completed the questions, the online form will generate a checklist of documents to be submitted. You will also be directed to pay the endorsement application fee.
The Home Office will send the application to the endorsing body for review and you will be notified directly of the decision. Applicants under the Fast-track routes can generally receive a decision in 1 week, whilst those applying under the Peer-review route can expect a decision on their endorsement within 5-8 weeks.
Stage 2: The Visa application
Once you have received your endorsement letter from one of the endorsing bodies, you can apply for the Stage 2 visa application.
If you are extending your permission or switching to the Global Talent Visa from within the UK, you must ensure that your Stage 2 visa application is submitted prior to the expiry date of your current visa,
You will be guided through an online application form and asked to answer a series of questions.
Once you have completed the questions, the online form will generate a checklist of documents to be submitted. You will also be directed to pay the visa application fees, Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and book an appointment with a local Visa Application Centre in order to submit your original documents and enrol your biometrics which will involve providing fingerprints and having a digital photograph taken.
Eligible EU nationals will be advised during the process if they are able to use the UK Immigration: ID Check app to verify their identity instead of attending a Visa Application Centre.
Important note for in-country applicants
Please note that the Stage 1 Endorsement application is not a visa application and will not extend or protect your permission in the UK. If your permission in the UK will expire imminently, you can apply for Stage 1 and Stage 2 at the same time.
For all other applicants, it is recommended to await the endorsement application decision before submitting your Stage 2 application.
Travel whilst a decision is pending
If you applied for the Global Talent Visa from outside of the UK, please note that you must not travel to the UK whilst your application is processing as doing so will result in your application being treated as withdrawn.
You must also ensure that you do not enter the UK before the start date of your visa/visa vignette. If you do so, you will not have the Right to Work and will be required to leave and re-enter the Common Travel Area (CTA).
If you are extending/switching to the Global Talent Visa from inside the UK, you must ensure that you do not travel outside of the UK whilst your application is processing as doing so will result in your application being treated as withdrawn.
Processing Times and Fees
Current visa application fees and processing times can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
Processing times are guidelines only and delays may occur for various reasons. The visa application processing time starts when you either:
- attend your biometric information appointment to provide your fingerprints and a photograph at a visa application centre; or
- verify your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app
Global Talent Visa - Conditions of Stay
The Global Talent Visa will generally be subject to the following conditions:
- no access to public funds; and
- work (including self-employment and voluntary work) permitted except for employment as a professional sportsperson (including as a sports coach); and
- study is permitted, subject to the ATAS condition in Appendix ATAS; and
- Police Registration if you are a national of a country in Appendix 2 of the Immigration Rules,
Please check your application decision letter for the full terms and conditions of your visa.