Application process for Global Talent visa

The UK launched the Global Talent Visa on February 20 this year as a replacement for the Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

Features of the Global Talent visa

The Global Talent Visa allows visa holders to switch freely between organizations, employers, and positions. The visa is designed to cater to the 'best and brightest' from around the world. The visa does not define a minimum salary requirement for job roles such as the Tier 2 visa.

Global talent visa holders can engage in other activities that are not normally permitted by other UK visas. After three years these visa holders can apply for UK settlement, and their family members and dependents may join them if they fulfill the eligibility criteria.

Two-stage application process

In the first stage of the application process, you must get an endorsement from one of the six endorsing bodies decided by the Home Office that you are a leader or an emerging one in a particular field.

The second stage is submitting the visa application to the Home Office. The Home Office will consider the general grounds for acceptance or refusal of your application and if you are already in the UK on a pre-existing visa, your eligibility for the Global Talent visa based on this visa will be considered.

The document/evidence criteria for stage 2 are not comprehensive, particularly because candidates would have already satisfied the Home Office by securing endorsement that they are suitable. Applicants must meet the following requirements for processing the application in the second stage:

• Proof of receiving an endorsement from an endorsing body.
• Date of application for entry clearance or leave to remain must be no later than three months after the date of issue of the endorsement letter.
• An endorsement must not have been withdrawn by an endorsing body.

 Though the visa application for the two stages can be submitted simultaneously, it is better to first get the endorsement first. In case endorsement does not come through, the visa fees paid to the home office will not be refunded.

Moving from already existing visa to the Global Talent visa

If you are currently living in the UK on Tier 1, Tier 2 or a Tier 5 visa, you can move to the Global Talent visa provided you can receive an endorsement from any of the six endorsing bodies.

Bringing family members on the visa

It is possible to bring your family members to the UK on this visa. You can bring your spouse or partner and children under 18. You can also bring your children who are above 18 if they are dependent on you and are not married and do not have children.

 Processing time and validity

The application process for the Global Talent visa takes about three weeks and there is no cap for visas under this category and visa holders can renew their visa after five years.