Global Talent Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1825 days
- Processing time
- 3 weeks (outside UK), 8 weeks (inside UK)
- Fee
- £766 (or £561 endorsement + £205 visa if endorsement route)
- Validity
- Up to 5 years
- Entry
- Multiple entry
For leaders or potential leaders in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology. Two pathways: endorsement by a recognised body, or winning an eligible prestigious prize. Endorsed by Arts Council England (arts and culture), Tech Nation (digital technology), UKRI/Royal Society/Royal Academy of Engineering/British Academy (science, engineering, humanities, medicine). Can lead to settlement (ILR) after 3-5 years depending on field. Healthcare surcharge: £1,035 per year.
Eligibility
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Purpose of visit
Must be a leader or potential leader in academia/research, arts and culture, or digital technology
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Age
Must be at least 18 years old
Min age: 18
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Employment
Must demonstrate exceptional talent or promise in eligible field through endorsement or eligible prize
Required status: Endorsed leader or prize winner
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Biometrics appointment
Booking url: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent/apply-from-outside-the-uk; Location: Visa application centre or UK Immigration: ID Check app
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Online payment; Amount: £766 (prize route) or £561 + £205 (endorsement route)
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Tuberculosis test
Test type: Chest X-ray at approved clinic (if from designated country); Validity months: 6
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Health surcharge
Amount: £1,035 per year; Applicant category: Main applicant and dependants
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Endorsement letter
Endorsement type: Leader or Potential Leader endorsement; Endorsing body: Arts Council England, Tech Nation, UKRI, Royal Society, Royal Academy of Engineering, or British Academy
How to apply
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Online application
Apply for endorsement from the relevant endorsing body (or apply directly if you have an eligible prize)
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Document gathering
Gather passport, endorsement confirmation, TB test results (if applicable), and certified translations of non-English documents
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Fee payment
Pay the visa application fee and Immigration Health Surcharge
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Biometrics
Prove your identity using the UK Immigration: ID Check app or attend a visa application centre for biometric collection
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Processing wait
Wait for a decision on your application
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Visa collection
Receive your visa decision. If approved, collect your biometric residence permit or receive digital confirmation