To make an application under Global Talent, applicants must first receive an endorsement from an Endorsing Body, unless they have met the eligible prize requirement. Here, Nick Gore explains the action applicants can take if the endorsement application is refused.
The Global Talent route
The Global Talent visa is for those who are highly skilled in the fields of humanities and science, digital technology, architecture, fashion and other arts. Each field has different endorsement requirements with specific evidence to provide. In general, applicants must only provide a limited number of documents demonstrating how they meet the endorsement criteria as well as recommendation letters from recognised experts.
Having received an endorsement, applicants can go on to make an immigration application and, if successful, will be granted permission to enter or remain in the UK.
If the applicant is granted permission, relatively few immigration restrictions apply. Applicants can undertake work on an employed or self-employed basis and are not bound to a specific employer.
The Global Talent route leads to Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also referred to as ‘settlement’ or ‘permanent residence’, after five continuous years residence in the UK, or after three years if the applicant meets the accelerated criteria.
Endorsement review – procedure
If an endorsement application is refused, applicants can challenge the decision by an Endorsement Review. Any review must be submitted within 28 days from the date of receipt of the refusal email.
The Endorsement Review form must be completed and submitted setting out clearly why a mistake was made. Detailed grounds of review should be included, with reference to the original application.
An Endorsement Review is not the same as an Administrative Review. It is a non-statutory scheme. In making the original decision, the Endorsing Body will reference the specific endorsement criteria, as set out in each Endorsing Body’s guidance.
Endorsement review – grounds of review
There can be many reasons for an endorsement refusal, and the criteria to be met for all fields are extremely difficult.
Before contemplating an Endorsement Review, there should be a detailed analysis of the reasons for refusal of the endorsement application. If the Endorsing Body has missed any details in the application or there has been any misunderstanding in the documents submitted this should be clearly explained in the Endorsement Review.
In making any decision, the Endorsing Body should keep to the specified principles set out in the Code of Practice for Endorsing Bodies. These include a requirement that decisions must be consistent and based solely on the published endorsement criteria.
An Endorsing Body must also be open and transparent. There is a requirement for it to be ‘clear in its actions and decisions’ and ‘ensure the processes it has in place for endorsing applications are clear and not open to abuse.’
If these principles have not been maintained in the refusal decision, for instance, the Endorsing Body has not been clear in its reason for refusal or there are inconsistencies, this should be noted in the Grounds of Review.
Further, as the Endorsing Body must keep to the published endorsement criteria, there should be a full analysis of whether the refusal has been in line with the criteria.
How we can help
We can provide assistance with the Endorsement Review process, including drafting detailed Grounds of Review. We have a strong record of successfully assisting those who wish to make an application under the Global Talent route, including both the endorsement and immigration application. We have secured successful outcomes for individuals spanning a range of industries and sectors, including fashion, digital technology and science.
If you need further information, please contact us, or complete the enquiry form below.
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This article was originally posted on 16 January 2020 and has been updated to reflect changes in policy.
