Global Talent Visas

You can apply for a Global Talent visa if you work in a qualifying field and have been endorsed: 

  • as a recognised leader (exceptional talent) 

  • as an emerging leader (exceptional promise) 

  • under the UK Research and Innovation endorsed funder option 

Find out if the field you work in qualifies

You must also be from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. 

Application Process  

You need to complete 2 stages to get this visa. 

You need to: 

  • apply to the Home Office for endorsement as a leader or an emerging leader in your particular field 

  • apply for the visa 

Most people apply for endorsement first, but you can complete both applications at the same time. However, if your endorsement is refused, your visa application will also be refused and you will not get any money back for either application. 

How long it will take  

After you get your endorsement, the earliest you can apply for a visa is 3 months before you travel. 

Example 

You can apply from 16 March if you plan to travel on 15 June. 

You should get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks when you apply from outside the UK. 

Find out about paying for a faster decision. 

Fees

You must pay a separate fee for the 2 stages of this process: 

  • stage 1 - endorsement 

  • stage 2 - visa application 

Stage 1 - endorsement  

All main applicants must pay the £456 fee to get an endorsement when applying for the first time or switching to this visa category. 

You will not automatically get a visa if you have been endorsed. You will not be reimbursed your endorsement fee if your visa application is turned down. 

Stage 2 - visa application

How much you pay to apply for a Global Talent visa depends on your circumstances.

Who you are applying for - You 

Stage 1 - endorsement application - £456 

Stage 2 - visa application - £152 

Who you are applying for - You if you are from Turkey or Macedonia 

Stage 1 - endorsement application - £456 

Stage 2 - visa application - £97 

Who you are applying for - All dependants 

Stage 1 - endorsement application -  

Stage 2 - visa application - £608 

Healthcare Surcharge  

You will also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application. Check how much you will have to pay before you apply. 

How long you can stay 

You can apply to stay for between 1 and 5 years. You only have to pay the healthcare surcharge for the amount of time you choose to stay. 

You can apply to extend your visa as many times as you like. Each extension can last from 1 to 5 years. 

You can apply for settlement once you have been in the UK for: 

  • 3 years with an exceptional talent visa 

  • 3 years with an exceptional talent endorsement in science 

  • 3 years with an endorsement under the UKRI endorsed funder scheme 

  • 5 years with an exceptional promise endorsement in either arts and culture or digital technology 

What you can and cannot do 

You can: 

  • work - for an employer, as a director of a company or be self-employed 

  • change jobs without telling the Home Office 

  • do voluntary work 

  • travel abroad and return to the UK 

  • bring family members with you 

You cannot: 

  • get public funds 

  • work as a doctor or dentist in training 

  • work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach 

See Also:  

Further information on Global Talent Visas can be found on GOV.UK's website.