Applying for the Global Talent Visa
Global Talent Visa — a type of visa designed to attract talented professionals from around the world who have exceptional abilities or achievements in fields such as science, arts and culture, and digital technology. This visa allows highly skilled professionals to work and live in the UK without the need for a sponsoring employer, making the immigration process more flexible and convenient.
The visa offers significant benefits to its holders, including the ability to work for any company or even start their own business. Applicants must undergo an assessment process and receive endorsement from one of the accredited bodies that verify their talent in the relevant field.
After obtaining the visa, professionals can stay in the UK for up to five years with the possibility of further extension or obtaining permanent residency.
Application Requirements
- The applicant must be at least 18 years old;
- It is necessary to have proof of high qualifications or relevant awards (listed on the UK government's website);
- For the field of science, in addition to qualifications or awards, the visa can be obtained through a job offer as an academic or researcher, an individual fellowship, or a research grant approved by UKRI;
- For the field of arts and culture: create a work that will be published or performed internationally (for arts), for the field of architecture and design, you need to have worked in this field for the last 5 years, creating works that are published internationally, for the film industry, provide 3 recommendation letters along with the application, up to 10 proofs of talent — each must be 2 sides of A4 paper or less;
- For the field of digital technology, a job offer is not required. But the experience must be technical (professions of developer, engineer, or data analyst) or have business (commercial, investment, or digital expertise in a technology company that creates software, hardware, or processes data);
- The applicant must be endorsed by an organization approved by the Home Office.
Documents Required for Application
After applying for endorsement on the GOV.UK website, you need to complete the application form on the Tech Nation website. You will need:
- Passport (or other document) confirming identity and citizenship;
- Statement describing the applicant's contribution to the UK's digital technology;
- Resume (up to 3 pages of A4 format);
- 3 recommendation letters (each writer must be a recognized person and familiar with the applicant's work for at least a year);
- Proof of the applicant's connection to the technology business if they were a founder or executive in the last 5 years (e.g., latest audited accounts, forecasts for the current financial year, and articles of association);
- Proof of meeting the criteria, a maximum of 10 documents (proof of high qualifications, other necessary skills).
Methods of Application
- If a person is outside the UK, they can apply online or at a visa center. You need to provide a package of documents and biometric data, and also scan a document confirming identity (in the UK Immigration: ID Check app).
- If the person wants to extend the visa, they need to apply online with the appropriate package of documents (additionally, there must be financial evidence of expertise in the field during the stay in the UK).
- If the applicant wants to switch to the Global Talent Visa, they need to prepare a package of documents specifically for this visa and ensure the absence of visas such as: visitor, short-term student, parent of a child student, seasonal worker, private household worker, or immigration bail.
Processing Time for Global Talent Visa
It should be understood that collecting biometric data and the necessary package of documents will take time. Specialists on the "Consultant" marketplace can help you with this and save your time.
After submitting the application, a decision should be ready in 3 weeks if the person is outside the UK, and in 8 weeks if they are in the UK.
Opportunities Provided by the Global Talent Visa
- Work in the UK without the need for a sponsoring employer;
- Free change of employers or projects without the need to renew the visa;
- 5 years of legal stay and work in the UK (with the possibility of extending the visa);
- The ability to start your own business or work as a freelancer;
- After three years of stay in the UK, visa holders can apply for permanent residency;
- Relocate with a partner and/or children, who will also have the opportunity to study or work in the UK;
- Travel to and from the UK without restrictions;
- Access to funding, mentorship, and support from business incubators and accelerators;
- Access to leading educational institutions in the UK for the applicant and their children;
- Access to the National Health Service (NHS).
The Role of a Lawyer in Obtaining a Global Talent Visa
The specialist helps applicants prepare all the necessary documents, including proof of abilities or achievements in the relevant field, and correctly complete the application. They advise on the criteria and requirements of accredited organizations that confirm talent and ensure the compliance of the submitted materials with these requirements. In addition, the lawyer can represent the client's interests in case of disputes or problems during the application review, thereby ensuring the maximum chances of successfully obtaining the visa.
On the "Consultant" marketplace, you can choose an experienced lawyer who will help gather all the necessary documents, correctly complete the application, and provide full support for obtaining a Global Talent Visa.
