Business Immigration

Global Talent

The Global Talent visa, previously Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent), is an exciting category of the Immigration Rules designed to enable those who are endorsed as a recognised or emerging leader in their field to come to the UK to work.

Global Talent visa: Main requirements
The Global Talent visa is for leaders and emerging leaders in one of the following fields:

  • science
  • research
  • engineering
  • humanities
  • medicine
  • digital technology
  • the arts
  • fashion
  • architecture
  • film and television

Applicants must first obtain an endorsement from an approved endorsing body:

  • Arts Council England – for the arts, culture, architecture, fashion, film and television
  • British Academy – for humanities and social sciences
  • Royal Academy of Engineering – for engineering
  • Royal Society – for natural sciences and medical science research
  • Tech Nation– for digital technology
  • UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – for science and research

Length and conditions of stay in the UK
Once an endorsement has been obtained, applicants can apply for a visa to come to the UK, or leave to remain if already in the UK in an eligible category, for an initial period of up to five years and four months. Those who are eligible to switch into this category from inside the UK will be granted an initial period of leave of up to five years.

Under the current rules, applicants can apply to extend their stay in the UK for indefinitely providing they continue to meet the requirements of the scheme.

During their stay in the UK, applicants can work for any employer, work as a director of a company or be self-employed. Applicants are able to change jobs without notifying the Home Office and can carry out voluntary work. Applicants cannot access public funds, work as a doctor or dentist in training or work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach.

Indefinite Leave to Remain
The Global Talent visa leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain. In order to be eligible for Indefinite Leave to Remain, an applicant must demonstrate that:

  • they have spent a continuous period of three or five years in the UK (depending on their last endorsement) and during this time have not breached any UK immigration laws;
  • they meet the requirements in relation to absences; and
  • they have sufficient knowledge of English language and have passed a Life in the UK test.

Global Talent visa applications: How we can help
The Home Office will carefully scrutinise an application for a Global Talent visa. If it considers that any of the requirements have not been met, the application will fall for refusal. It is therefore essential that the application is prepared thoroughly and carefully.

We are experienced in preparing visa applications that rely on talent and will provide expert guidance and assistance to you throughout the process.

For further advice, please contact us.