To apply under the Global Talent route, applicants must receive an endorsement from the relevant endorsing body. For film and television related applications this is Producers’ Alliance for Film and Television on behalf of the Arts Council. Here we review the requirements in detail.
The Global Talent visa
The Global Talent route is for those who are highly skilled in the fields of humanities and science, digital technology, architecture, fashion and other arts. The visa allows individuals to have flexibility in choosing employers, in establishing their own businesses and in some cases an accelerated route to Indefinite Leave to Remain.
For those who work in film, television, animation, post production and visual effects industries (whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes), an application for an endorsement can be made to the Arts Council and will be assessed by Producers’ Alliance for Film and Television (PACT). An endorsement will be required, unless the applicant has won one of the Prestigious Prizes, and the applicant must meet the Exceptional Talent (recognised leaders in their relevant field) criteria. The less onerous Exceptional Promise (emerging leaders in their relevant field) is not available for those applying under this category.
Those who receive an endorsement can then go on to make a stage 2 immigration application. If approved they can be granted leave in the UK for up to five years.
PACT endorsement – criteria and evidence required
Applicants must meet the criteria listed under Appendix Global Talent of the Immigration Rules (HC395, as amended).
To receive an endorsement applicants must provide evidence of one of the following:
- Proof of winning at any time or in the last 10 years from the date of application have received a nomination for one of the following awards:
- an Academy Award;
- a BAFTA award;
- a Golden Globe; or
- an Emmy award.
- Within the last 10 years, evidence of making a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for one of the above awards.
- Within the last 15 years achieved a minimum of two nominations for one of the awards mentioned above.
- Demonstrate notable industry recognition through:
- international distribution sales and recognition; and
- having achieved one of the following:
- at any time won a minimum of two Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions; or
- at any time won one and within the last six years before the date of application have been nominated for one other Notable Industry Recognition Award for at least two different productions; or
- within the last six years before the date of application have been nominated for at least three Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions; or
- within the last three years before the date of application made a significant and direct contribution to winning or being nominated for three Notable Industry Recognition Awards for at least two different productions.
Awards
The first three criteria relate to having received, or having been nominated for, a specific award such as BAFTA, which can clearly be evidenced. An applicant who has received an award or has been nominated for an award mentioned above will have a clear indication of whether they are eligible for an endorsement and the likelihood of success, from the outset. It will also be worth checking that an award received is not also one of the Prestigious Prizes for which an endorsement application is not required.
Where it may be a little tricky is where an applicant is relying on having made a ‘significant and direct contribution’ to winning or being nominated for an award as this is much more subjective. An applicant will need to consider carefully the evidence that they will provide which may include a letter from the recipient of the award or nomination setting out the contributions made by an applicant.
International Sales and Industry Recognition
Both evidence of sales and industry recognition need to be submitted if relying on this endorsement criteria. Strong evidence can include but, is not limited to, box office sales, numerous distribution or licence agreements and listings from Official Music Video Charts and each application will be considered on a case by case basis. The Notable Industry Recognition Awards are however an exhaustive list and an award that is not on this list will not be considered.
What further evidence is required?
As well as meeting the criteria above for which no more than 10 documents should be submitted, an applicant is also required to provide three letters of support one of which must be from a UK based organisation recognised nationally or internationally as having expertise in the field of film and television and must meet certain criteria.
How our immigration solicitors can help with your Global Talent visa application
We can provide assistance to those who wish to make an endorsement application and we are experienced in preparing both successful Global Talent endorsement and immigration applications for individuals in a range of disciplines. If you need any further information about this route please contact us, or complete the enquiry form below.